Coxcomical

/kɒkˈsɒmɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of a coxcomb; foolishly vain or exhibiting ridiculous conceit.

Etymology

From 'coxcomb' + '-ical' (adjectival suffix, from Latin '-icalis'). The '-ical' suffix is more formal than '-y,' creating a more sophisticated-sounding adjective.

Kelly Says

The difference between 'coxcomby' and 'coxcomical' is subtle but real—'coxcomby' sounds more casual and spoken, while 'coxcomical' sounds more formal and literary, which is why older writers like Dickens preferred 'coxcomical' to describe their pompous characters.

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