1 cockalorum | Definition of cockalorum
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

cockalorum

noun
cock·​a·​lo·​rum | \ ËŒkä-kÉ™-ˈlȯr-É™m How to pronounce cockalorum (audio) \
plural cockalorums

Definition of cockalorum

1 : a boastful and self-important person
2 : leapfrog
3 : boastful talk
Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about cockalorum

Keep scrolling for more

Did You Know?

The image of a rooster (a.k.a. cock) strutting confidently across the barnyard or belting out a triumphant crow has long been associated with brash self-confidence. It's an association that has left quite a mark on the English language, giving us "crow" ("to brag"), "cock" ("a self-important person"), and "cocky" ("overconfident"), just to name a few. "Cockalorum" (which may have derived from the obsolete Flemish word kockeloeren, meaning "to crow") is another example. It dates back at least as far as 1715, when it was used to describe the Marquis of Huntly - son of the Duke of Gordon, a Celtic Highlander chief who was himself known as the "Cock of the North." Presumably, the Marquis was not exactly known for his humility.

Examples of cockalorum in a Sentence

a boxer who was as famous for his prefight cockalorum as for his knockouts in the ring Muhammad Ali's reputation as boxing's most colorful cockalorum.

First Known Use of cockalorum

circa 1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for cockalorum

probably modification of obsolete Dutch dialect kockeloeren to crow, of imitative origin

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on cockalorum

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with cockalorum

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cockalorum

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!