Cockier

/ˈkɑkiər/ adjective

Definition

More arrogant, boastful, or overly confident in a way that is annoying or unpleasant.

Etymology

Comparative form of 'cocky,' which comes from 'cock' (the rooster, an arrogant-seeming bird) + '-y' (adjective suffix); the word emerged in the 1700s-1800s to describe swaggering behavior.

Kelly Says

The connection between roosters and arrogance is universal—in cultures from Japan to Brazil, roosters symbolize pride and boastfulness, so calling someone 'cocky' instantly evokes that image of a bird puffing itself up.

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