cocky

/ˈkɒki/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɑːki/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkä-kē/ (ame, mw)

cocky — adjective

  • cockypositive
  • cockiercomparative
  • cockiestsuperlative

1. showing so much belief in your own abilities that you come across as rude or smu

1.形容詞B2
釋義

showing so much belief in your own abilities that you come across as rude or smug to other people

例句

Tariq grew cocky after winning three chess matches in a row.

predicative: grow / become / get cocky after a success

Coach Renata warned the team not to get cocky before the final.

common warning frame: don't get cocky

同義詞
  • arrogant

    stronger and more formal; suggests looking down on others, not just boasting

  • conceited

    focused on inflated self-image; less about loud display than 'cocky'

  • smug

    self-satisfied in a quiet, irritating way; 'cocky' is louder and more outward

  • brash

    noisy and over-confident in manner; overlaps with 'cocky' but emphasises rudeness

反義詞
  • humble

    down-to-earth about one's own ability

  • modest

    avoids drawing attention to one's strengths

用法筆記

Almost always negative or teasing — describes someone whose confidence has tipped into rudeness. Often paired with a verb of change (grow / get / become) to show the confidence has built up over a short period.

常見錯誤

❌Lisa is cocky at math.
✅Lisa is cocky about her math skills.
💡the preposition is 'about', not 'at'.
❌a cocky person who always helps others
✅a confident person who always helps others
💡'cocky' carries a negative tone; don't pair it with friendly behaviour.