Coxcombity

/kɒkˈskɒmbɪti/ noun

Definition

The quality of being a coxcomb; foolish vanity or ridiculous conceit.

Etymology

From 'coxcomb' with the suffix '-ity,' creating an abstract noun for the characteristic state or quality of foolish vanity.

Kelly Says

Medieval and Renaissance writers seemed to love making multiple '-ity' and '-ness' versions of the same word—'coxcombity,' 'coxcombness,' and 'coxcombry' are basically three different ways to insult the same behavior.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Nominalization of coxcomb; refers to the quality or state of foolish vanity as embodied in the male jester archetype.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'vanity' or 'foolishness' instead.

Inclusive Alternatives

["vanity","foolishness","buffoonery"]

Related Words

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