coxcombry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low FrequencyFormal / Literary / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “coxcombry” mean?
Conceited or foolish behaviour, especially regarding one's appearance or dress.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Conceited or foolish behaviour, especially regarding one's appearance or dress; ostentatious and affected dandyism.
The behaviour or attitude of someone who is vain, pretentious, and overly concerned with superficial appearances, often to the point of absurdity or self-importance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally archaic and literary in both varieties. Historically more prevalent in British literature of the 18th–19th centuries.
Connotations
Same connotation of antiquated, somewhat theatrical, and highly affected vanity in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use in both the UK and US. When used, it is almost exclusively in historical, literary, or satirical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coxcombry” in a Sentence
N of coxcombryindulge in coxcombrydisplay coxcombrycharacterised by coxcombryVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coxcombry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He coxcombed about the party, adjusting his cravat for effect.
- She accused him of merely coxcombing in intellectual circles.
American English
- He coxcombed through the gallery, hoping to be noticed.
- Politicians often coxcomb when cameras are present.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. Would be highly non-standard and archaic.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- His coxcombish antics grew tiresome.
- A coxcombry attitude pervaded the young dandy's speech.
American English
- She dismissed his proposal as a coxcombish scheme.
- The actor's coxcombry mannerisms were perfect for the historical role.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. If used, it would be a highly stylised, critical term for a colleague's arrogant or showy self-presentation.
Academic
Rarely used outside of historical or literary studies, e.g., in critiques of 18th-century satire or studies of masculinity.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used. Would sound archaic and possibly incomprehensible to many.
Technical
No technical usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coxcombry”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coxcombry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coxcombry”
- Using it as a synonym for 'dandy' (a person) instead of the behaviour of a dandy. (Incorrect: 'He was a coxcombry.' Correct: 'He was guilty of coxcombry.')
- Misspelling as 'coxcombary' or 'coxcombery'.
- Pronouncing the 'b' in 'comb' (it is silent: /kəʊm/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or literary. You will primarily encounter it in older texts or in very deliberate, stylistic modern writing.
Vanity is a broader, more general term for excessive pride in one's appearance or abilities. Coxcombry specifically denotes the *affected, showy, and often foolish behaviour* that results from such vanity, with historical connotations of dandyism.
Historically, the term was almost exclusively applied to men (as 'dandy' or 'fop' were male figures). In modern, extended usage, it could theoretically be applied to anyone displaying the corresponding behaviour, though this would be highly unusual.
It is typically used as an uncountable noun in phrases like 'guilty of coxcombry', 'display coxcombry', or 'his coxcombry was evident'. Example: 'She tired of his endless coxcombry about his supposed talents.'
Conceited or foolish behaviour, especially regarding one's appearance or dress.
Coxcombry is usually formal / literary / archaic in register.
Coxcombry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒkskəʊmri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːkskoʊmri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms. The word itself is a near-idiomatic label for a type of behaviour.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a rooster (a 'cock') with a big, bright comb strutting around the farmyard. 'Coxcombry' is the *behaviour* of a person who struts and shows off like that rooster, thinking themselves splendid but looking foolish.
Conceptual Metaphor
VANITY IS A THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE / FOOLISH PRIDE IS A JESTER'S CAP.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'coxcombry' be LEAST appropriate?