How Do You Spell COXCOMBERY?

Pronunciation: [kˈɒkskəməɹi] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "coxcombery" can be quite confusing. The correct pronunciation, according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), is /kɒksˈkʌmbri/. This word comes from the noun "coxcomb," which means a foolish or conceited person. The addition of the suffix "-ery" turns it into an abstract noun referring to the behavior or qualities of such a person. The spelling of "coxcombery" includes a double "c" followed by a "k" for the /ks/ sound, which makes it a unique and somewhat difficult word to spell correctly.

COXCOMBERY Meaning and Definition

  1. Coxcombery refers to the excessive display of vanity, self-importance, or ostentation, often characterized by flamboyant or showy behavior. The term is derived from the word "coxcomb," which originally referred to a jester's cap adorned with a colorful crest or a fool's cap shaped like a cockscomb. Over time, it came to represent someone who was a foolish or conceited person.

    In the context of behavior, coxcombery refers to the exaggerated and affected behavior of an individual who seeks attention, admiration, or praise through flamboyant means. It encompasses actions that are intended to draw attention to oneself, such as flaunting wealth, displaying fashion choices that are attention-grabbing or gaudy, and behaving in a pretentious or affected manner.

    Coxcombery is often associated with individuals who are overly concerned with their appearance, personal style, or social standing and who go to great lengths to project an image of superiority. It can be seen as a form of arrogance or vain self-absorption, with the person's actions aiming to prove their own importance or uniqueness.

    While coxcombery is often used to describe someone who is simply acting pompously or pretentiously, it can also carry negative connotations of foolishness or insincerity. Therefore, it is commonly used to criticize individuals who are deemed to be too concerned with superficial matters and lack authenticity or genuine substance.

Common Misspellings for COXCOMBERY

  • xoxcombery
  • voxcombery
  • foxcombery
  • doxcombery
  • cixcombery
  • ckxcombery
  • clxcombery
  • cpxcombery
  • c0xcombery
  • c9xcombery
  • cozcombery
  • coccombery
  • codcombery
  • coscombery
  • coxxombery
  • coxvombery
  • coxfombery
  • coxdombery
  • coxcimbery
  • coxckmbery

Etymology of COXCOMBERY

The word "coxcombery" is an archaic term that is derived from the Middle English word "cokkes" or "cockes", which means a fool or jester. The term evolved from the Old French word "coqu", meaning a fool or simpleton. The "bery" part of the word is a suffix that was used to form nouns denoting action or practice. Therefore, "coxcombery" originally referred to the actions, behavior, or dress of a fool or jester. Over time, the term came to be associated with excessive showiness, ostentation, or pretentiousness in general.

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