fighting cock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 - C2 (Specialized, low-frequency compound noun)Specialized (historical/sports), Metaphorical (informal/figurative, sometimes derogatory)
Quick answer
What does “fighting cock” mean?
A rooster specifically bred and trained for cockfighting, a blood sport where two birds are pitted against each other in a fight.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rooster specifically bred and trained for cockfighting, a blood sport where two birds are pitted against each other in a fight.
A person who is aggressively combative, quarrelsome, or eager to fight; someone with a highly competitive or confrontational nature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal sense is understood in both varieties but is regionally associated where cockfighting was/has been practiced. The metaphorical sense is equally understood.
Connotations
Equally negative/controversial for the literal sense due to animal cruelty. The metaphorical sense can be mildly humorous or critically descriptive.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher potential occurrence in historical or regional (e.g., Southern US, rural UK) contexts discussing the practice.
Grammar
How to Use “fighting cock” in a Sentence
[verb] a fighting cock (breed, train, own)[adjective] fighting cock (vicious, prized)a fighting cock of [noun] (a fighting cock of a man)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fighting cock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not standardly used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not standardly used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He had a certain fighting-cock strut about him.
American English
- She dismissed him with a fighting-cock arrogance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Potentially metaphorical: 'He entered the negotiation like a fighting cock.'
Academic
Used in historical, anthropological, or cultural studies texts discussing blood sports or rural traditions.
Everyday
Almost never used in literal sense. Figurative use is possible but uncommon: 'Don't be such a fighting cock!'
Technical
Used in specific zoological or historical discussions of poultry breeds and their uses.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fighting cock”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fighting cock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fighting cock”
- Using it as a general term for any aggressive bird. Using it in polite formal contexts due to its controversial literal meaning and potential vulgar connotations from the word 'cock'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A fighting cock is a rooster specifically bred, trained, and selected for aggression and stamina for the purpose of cockfighting. Not all roosters are suitable or used as fighting cocks.
Rarely. The literal use is ethically charged. The figurative use can sometimes imply admired tenacity or spirit in competition, but more often it carries a negative connotation of unnecessary aggressiveness or arrogance.
'Gamecock' or 'game fowl' are the most direct synonyms in the context of the blood sport.
First, the literal activity is illegal and considered cruel in most places. Second, the word 'cock' itself can be considered vulgar in some contexts. Third, calling someone a 'fighting cock' is likely to be insulting.
A rooster specifically bred and trained for cockfighting, a blood sport where two birds are pitted against each other in a fight.
Fighting cock is usually specialized (historical/sports), metaphorical (informal/figurative, sometimes derogatory) in register.
Fighting cock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪt.ɪŋ ˌkɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪt̬.ɪŋ ˌkɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like a fighting cock (full of energy and aggression)”
- “cock of the walk (a dominant, arrogant person in a group)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COCK (rooster) with boxing gloves, ready for FIGHTING. This connects the literal animal to the idea of a pugnacious person.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN AGGRESSIVE PERSON IS A FIGHTING COCK (mapping traits of aggression, pride, and combativeness from the animal to the human).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern use of 'fighting cock'?