cocky
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“He was a bit too cocky after winning the first game and didn't practice for the second one.”
In context“The young striker's cocky attitude in the post-match interview alienated many fans who preferred a more humble approach to victory.”
UsageOften used to describe young men or athletes who show off their skills.
Teacher's tipWhile 'confident' is positive, 'cocky' is almost always a criticism of someone's personality.
- 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The local cocky said the rain would be good for the wheat crop this year.”
In context“During the drought, many a struggling cocky had to rely on government subsidies just to keep their livestock fed.”
UsageCommonly used in rural areas of Australia and New Zealand.
Teacher's tipThis is a regional term; learners should be aware it might not be understood outside of Australia or New Zealand.
Synonymsfarmergrazier - 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a friendly name for a cockatoo bird.
n.a familiar or hypocoristic name for a cockatoo.
Simple“We kept a pet cocky in a large cage on the veranda.”
In context“The screeching of a wild cocky in the gum tree made it impossible to hear the rest of the conversation.”
Synonymscockatoo
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.