Quick answer
Coxcomb means a vain or foolishly self-important person, especially one obsessed with appearance or status.
Word page
Coxcomb Meaning
A coxcomb is a vain, affected, or foolishly self-important person. The word is old-fashioned and theatrical, perfect for describing someone whose self-importance is louder than their sense.
At a glance
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How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, a coxcomb is someone who acts important, fashionable, or refined in a way that looks silly. The word criticizes vanity and affectation more than simple foolishness.
Example sentences
- Simple: The coxcomb admired himself in every polished spoon.
- Everyday: A modern person might say show-off or vain fool.
- Writing: The satire turns the courtier into a coxcomb of ribbons and rehearsed opinions.
- Nuance: Coxcomb mocks vanity, not just bad judgment.
- Awkward: “My phone is a coxcomb.” Better: “The person posing with the phone is acting like a coxcomb.”
Tone, context, and nuance
Coxcomb is a comic old insult. It works best when the target is vanity, showiness, or affected style. It is sharper than “dandy” and more specific than “fool.”
Common mistakes
- Do not use coxcomb when you simply mean foolish; vanity is central.
- Do not confuse it with a rooster’s comb, though that image is part of the history.
- Do not use it as a neutral compliment for stylishness.
- Do not expect every modern reader to know it without context.
Synonyms and similar words
| Similar word | Difference |
|---|---|
| fop | A vain, fashion-obsessed man; close in tone. |
| dandy | Stylish and self-conscious, sometimes admiring rather than insulting. |
| fool | Broader and less focused on vanity. |
| pretender | Someone performing a false status or identity. |
| foppery | The behavior or quality associated with a fop or coxcomb. |
Opposite words
| Opposite | Nuance |
|---|---|
| modest person | The opposite of vain self-display. |
| humble person | A moral contrast to self-importance. |
| plainspoken person | Less affected and performative. |
Word family
Coxcomb is a noun. Coxcombry can refer to the behavior or quality of being a coxcomb, though it is rare.
Word origin
Coxcomb originally referred to a cock’s comb and later to a fool’s cap shaped with a comb-like crest. From there it developed into an insult for a vain or foolishly self-important person.
Writing tip
Use coxcomb when vanity is the target. If you only mean foolish, choose fool, dolt, or nincompoop instead.
Common questions
- What does coxcomb mean in simple words? Coxcomb means a vain, affected, or foolishly self-important person.
- How do you pronounce coxcomb? Coxcomb is pronounced KOKS-kohm.
- Is coxcomb an insult? Yes. It is an old-fashioned comic insult for vanity and affectation.
- Is coxcomb a Shakespearean insult? It has a theatrical old-fashioned feel and fits Shakespearean-style insult lists, though its use is broader.
- What is another word for coxcomb? Related choices include fop, dandy, fool, pretender, and vain person.
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Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 14, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.