cockiness
UK[ˈkɒkɪnəs]US[ˈkɑːkinəs]
n
excessive confidence or boldness that is often irritating to others.
Morpheme Breakdown
cocky
ness
cocky
overly confident
ness
state or quality
Etymology
the word 'cockiness' is a relatively modern english formation. its core, 'cocky', emerged in the mid-16th century, directly derived from 'cock', the male domestic fowl. roosters are traditionally associated with strutting, assertive, and domineering behavior. by adding the old english suffix '-ness', which forms abstract nouns indicating a state or condition, 'cockiness' was created to name the specific quality of being arrogantly and overtly self-assured, much like the stereotypical demeanor of a rooster. the term encapsulates a figurative leap from animal behavior to a human personality trait.
Analysis
Structure: cocky (overly confident) + ness (state or quality)
- cocky: origin: english (from 'cock', the bird). functional role: base adjective meaning arrogantly self-confident.
- ness: origin: old english. functional role: suffix forming nouns denoting a state or quality.
Examples
his early success led to a certain cockiness that turned off potential collaborators.
there's a fine line between healthy self-confidence and outright cockiness.
the coach warned the team against cockiness after their big win.