Codding

/ˈkɑdɪŋ/ verb

Definition

Present participle of cod; the act of tricking, deceiving, or fooling someone; also, pampering or treating someone too indulgently.

Etymology

From the verb 'cod,' forming the present participle with '-ing' suffix, representing the ongoing or habitual action of deception or coddling.

Kelly Says

English-speakers evolved 'codding' as the gentle version of 'lying'—when you say someone's 'codding you,' it suggests playful deception rather than malice, like teasing has a moral weight that outright lying doesn't.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.