cocky
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for cocky, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Overly self-confident, boastful, or arrogant.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use cocky
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a cocky attitude
act cocky
cocky and confident
Etymology
From "cock" (a rooster, seen as a strutting, self-important bird) plus the adjective-forming suffix "-y."
Full origin of cocky →Frequently asked questions
What does “cocky” mean?
The word “cocky” means overly self-confident, boastful, or arrogant. In plain terms, full of swagger and overconfidence, often to an annoying degree.
How do you pronounce “cocky”?
“Cocky” is pronounced KO-kee (/ˈkɑki/ in IPA).
How do you use “cocky” in a sentence?
Here is “cocky” used in a sentence: “He was cocky after his first win and underestimated his next opponent.”
What part of speech is “cocky”?
“Cocky” is an adjective.
Is “cocky” a common word?
“Cocky” is an uncommon word in modern English.
