Word
cocky
US/ˈkɑki/
UK/kˈɒki/
Definitions
01arrogant
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
adj. too confident in a way that is annoying to other people.
adj. demonstrating excessive confidence or arrogance; often used to describe a person whose self-assurance is perceived as boastful or irritating.
日本語:生意気な※
“He was a bit too cocky after winning the first game and didn't practice for the second one.”
“The young striker's cocky attitude in the post-match interview alienated many fans who preferred a more humble approach to victory.”
Usage
Often used to describe young men or athletes who show off their skills.
Teaching tip
While 'confident' is positive, 'cocky' is almost always a criticism of someone's personality.
02a farmer
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · American English · Dialect
n. a name for a farmer, especially one with a small farm.
n. an informal term for a farmer, originally referring to small-scale 'cockatoo farmers' who settled on small plots of land.
“The local cocky said the rain would be good for the wheat crop this year.”
“During the drought, many a struggling cocky had to rely on government subsidies just to keep their livestock fed.”
Usage
Commonly used in rural areas of Australia and New Zealand.
Teaching tip
This is a regional term; learners should be aware it might not be understood outside of Australia or New Zealand.
Synonyms
03a cockatoo
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Informal · American English · Dialect
n. a friendly name for a cockatoo bird.
n. a familiar or hypocoristic name for a cockatoo.
“We kept a pet cocky in a large cage on the veranda.”
“The screeching of a wild cocky in the gum tree made it impossible to hear the rest of the conversation.”
Synonyms
Etymology
From cock (“male domestic chicken”) + -y (suffix forming adjectives with the sense of ‘having the quality of’).
From cock (“male domestic chicken”) + -y (diminutive suffix).
The noun is derived from cock(atoo) + -y (diminutive suffix). The verb is derived from the noun.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/cocky
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0