cocky

Everyday

1. (informal) Too confident and sure of yourself in an annoying or rude way. tree →
2. (Australia, informal) A cockatoo, the noisy crested parrot. tree →
3. (Australia, informal) A farmer, especially a small farmer («a cow cocky»). tree →

In the lessons

In stories and sport it describes a show-off who is sure they will win, often before they lose. Coaches warn teams not to get cocky. In Australia, «cocky» is also a friendly name for a cockatoo or a farmer. It tells the reader someone thinks too much of themselves, or names an Australian bird or farmer.

Examples

• He got cocky after winning and lost the next game. tree →
• Don't be so cocky — the test isn't marked yet. tree →
• The cocky hare stopped for a nap and the tortoise won. tree →
• A flock of cockies screeched in the gum trees. (Australia) tree →
• My uncle is a cocky with sheep and wheat. (Australia) tree →
• She gave a cocky grin as she crossed the finish line. tree →
• “Yes, he is rather cocky,” Wendy admitted with regret. tree →

Note

Comparative cockier, superlative cockiest. Informal: avoid it in formal writing; formal words are «overconfident», «arrogant». Being confident is good; being cocky is too much.