Plural of coxcomb; foolish or conceited people, or a jester's cap with a rooster-like crest.
From 'cock's comb' (the red crest of a rooster), used as early as the 16th century for a jester's cap. It evolved to mean a foolish person because jesters wore the caps and were associated with vanity and fool's behavior.
The evolution of 'coxcomb' from a real rooster's crest to meaning a vain fool is brilliant—because jesters wore these caps and pranced around showing off, people started calling any overly proud, foolish person a 'coxcomb,' and Shakespeare loved using this insult in his plays!
Plural of coxcomb; persists as male-coded despite modern gender-neutral use. Historical reference remains tied to male jester tradition.
Use 'fools,' 'vain people,' or 'show-offs' for clarity and inclusivity.
["fools","vain people","show-offs"]
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