Top 23 Slang For Cocky – Meaning & Usage

Cockiness is a trait that’s hard to miss, and there’s a whole array of slang terms that capture this confidence in different ways. From casual banter to bold declarations, our team has rounded up the top slang for cocky individuals. Get ready to explore these expressions that add flair to everyday conversations and stay ahead of the linguistic curve with us.

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1. Arrogant AF

This term is used to describe someone who is excessively confident and self-assured to the point of being obnoxious. The “AF” stands for “as f***” and adds emphasis to the level of arrogance.

For example, “He walked into the room like he owned the place, acting arrogant AF.”
Someone might comment, “She’s so full of herself, it’s arrogant AF.”
A person might describe a friend as, “He’s confident, but not arrogant AF like some people.”

2. Full of oneself

This phrase is used to describe someone who is excessively self-centered and believes they are superior to others. It implies that the person is overly confident and lacks humility.

For instance, “He always talks about himself and never listens to others. He’s so full of himself.”
A person might say, “She’s too full of herself to admit when she’s wrong.”
Someone might comment, “His arrogant behavior shows that he’s really full of himself.”

3. Big-headed

This term is used to describe someone who is excessively proud and thinks highly of themselves. It suggests that the person has an inflated ego and may act arrogantly towards others.

For example, “Ever since he got that promotion, he’s become really big-headed.”
A friend might say, “Don’t let success make you big-headed.”
Someone might comment, “Her big-headed attitude is off-putting to others.”

4. Too cool for school

This phrase is used to describe someone who acts as if they are too cool or superior to participate in certain activities or social norms. It implies a sense of arrogance and being above the rules.

For instance, “He thinks he’s too cool for school, always skipping class.”
A person might say, “Don’t be too cool for school and miss out on opportunities.”
Someone might comment, “Her attitude of being too cool for school is just a front.”

5. High and mighty

This phrase is used to describe someone who behaves in a haughty and arrogant manner, looking down on others. It suggests that the person believes they are superior and better than everyone else.

For example, “He acts high and mighty, as if he’s better than everyone else.”
A friend might say, “Don’t let success make you feel high and mighty.”
Someone might comment, “Her high and mighty attitude is really off-putting.”

6. Swagger

Swagger refers to a confident or arrogant attitude or demeanor. It is often associated with someone who carries themselves with a sense of superiority or self-assuredness.

For example, “He walked into the room with swagger, as if he owned the place.”
A person might say, “I love his swagger. He’s always so confident in everything he does.”
In a sports context, a commentator might say, “He played with swagger today, showing off his skills and dominating the game.”

7. Pompous

Pompous describes someone who is arrogantly self-important and behaves in a way that suggests they are better or more important than others.

For instance, “He always acts so pompous, as if he knows everything.”
A person might say, “Her pompous attitude is off-putting. She acts as if she’s superior to everyone.”
In a professional setting, a coworker might complain, “He’s so pompous, always talking down to others and acting like he’s the smartest person in the room.”

8. Smug

Smug refers to someone who is self-satisfied and pleased with themselves, often to the point of being annoying or irritating to others.

For example, “She had a smug look on her face after winning the competition.”
A person might say, “I can’t stand his smug attitude. He always acts like he’s better than everyone else.”
In a situation where someone is proven wrong, another person might say, “Don’t be so smug about it. No one likes a know-it-all.”

9. Conceited

Conceited describes someone who is excessively proud of themselves and has an inflated sense of their own importance or abilities.

For instance, “He’s so conceited, always talking about how great he is.”
A person might say, “Her conceited behavior is a major turn-off. She’s constantly bragging about herself.”
In a group discussion, someone might comment, “Let’s not invite him to the meeting. He’s too conceited and always tries to take credit for everything.”

10. Cocksure

Cocksure refers to someone who is overconfident and arrogant, often to the point of being reckless or dismissive of others.

For example, “He’s so cocksure, always acting like he knows best.”
A person might say, “His cocksure attitude is irritating. He never listens to anyone else’s opinions.”
In a competitive setting, someone might comment, “She’s cocksure of her abilities, but she better be careful not to underestimate her opponents.”

11. Braggadocious

This term refers to someone who excessively boasts or brags about their abilities, accomplishments, or possessions. It is often used to describe someone who is overly confident and self-assured.

For example, “He’s always bragging about how much money he makes. He’s so braggadocious.”
In a conversation about a coworker, someone might say, “She’s so braggadocious, always talking about how she’s the best at everything.”
A person might use this term to describe a friend who constantly boasts about their achievements, “He’s a bit braggadocious, but we still love him.”

12. Egotistical

This term describes someone who is excessively focused on themselves and their own needs or desires. It often implies a lack of consideration for others and a belief in one’s own superiority.

For instance, “She’s so egotistical, she never asks how anyone else is doing.”
In a discussion about a celebrity, someone might say, “He’s known for his egotistical behavior and demands.”
A person might use this term to describe a boss who only cares about their own success, “Our boss is incredibly egotistical and never gives credit to anyone else.”

13. Swaggering

This term refers to someone who walks or behaves in a way that exudes confidence and self-assurance. It is often used to describe someone who has a noticeable and exaggerated display of confidence in their demeanor.

For example, “He walked into the room with a swaggering confidence.”
In a conversation about a sports player, someone might say, “He’s known for his swaggering attitude on and off the field.”
A person might use this term to describe a friend who always carries themselves with a swaggering confidence, “She’s got a swaggering personality that draws people to her.”

14. Narcissistic

This term describes someone who has an excessive preoccupation with themselves, their own needs, and their own importance. It often implies a lack of empathy for others and a grandiose sense of self.

For instance, “He’s so narcissistic, he can’t stop talking about himself.”
In a discussion about a celebrity, someone might say, “She’s known for her narcissistic behavior and constant need for attention.”
A person might use this term to describe a coworker who is always seeking praise and recognition, “He’s incredibly narcissistic and thinks he’s the best at everything.”

15. Self-assured

This term describes someone who has a strong belief in their own abilities and is confident in their own worth. It often implies a sense of inner confidence and self-belief.

For example, “She’s very self-assured and never doubts herself.”
In a conversation about a public speaker, someone might say, “He’s incredibly self-assured and always captivates the audience.”
A person might use this term to describe a friend who is always confident in their decisions, “He’s self-assured and never second-guesses himself.”

16. Self-centered

This term refers to someone who is excessively concerned with themselves and their own needs, often disregarding the feelings or needs of others. It can also imply a lack of empathy or self-awareness.

For example, “He’s so self-centered, he never asks about anyone else’s day.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “A self-centered partner is unlikely to prioritize your needs.”
A friend might vent, “I can’t stand how self-centered my coworker is. It’s always about her.”

17. Vain

This word describes someone who is excessively proud of their appearance or abilities and seeks constant admiration from others. It implies a high level of self-importance and a preoccupation with one’s own image.

For instance, “She spends hours in front of the mirror, she’s so vain.”
In a conversation about celebrities, someone might say, “Many actors are known for their vain behavior.”
A person might comment, “Vanity can often be a cover for insecurity.”

18. Overconfident

This term describes someone who has an excessive amount of confidence or belief in their own abilities, often to the point of arrogance. It implies a lack of humility and a tendency to underestimate challenges or risks.

For example, “He’s so overconfident, he thinks he can do anything.”
In a discussion about sports, someone might say, “An overconfident team is more likely to make mistakes.”
A friend might comment, “Overconfidence can blind you to your own weaknesses.”

19. Boastful

This word describes someone who habitually boasts or brags about their achievements, possessions, or abilities. It implies a need for validation and attention, often at the expense of others.

For instance, “He’s always bragging about his expensive car, he’s so boastful.”
In a conversation about job interviews, someone might say, “It’s important to sell yourself without coming across as boastful.”
A person might comment, “Boastfulness can alienate others and make it difficult to form genuine connections.”

20. Pretentious

This term describes someone who acts or speaks in a way that suggests they are more important, cultured, or intelligent than they actually are. It implies a desire to be seen as sophisticated or high-status, often through the use of pretentious language or behavior.

For example, “She always uses big words to sound smart, she’s so pretentious.”
In a discussion about art, someone might say, “Some critics argue that modern art can be overly pretentious.”
A friend might comment, “Pretentiousness can create a barrier between people and prevent genuine connections.”

21. Haughty

Haughty is a term used to describe someone who is arrogant or disdainful towards others. It refers to a person who believes they are superior and looks down on others.

22. Superiority complex

Superiority complex is a term used to describe someone who has an exaggerated belief in their own superiority and importance. It refers to a person who constantly feels the need to assert their dominance over others.

23. Snobbish

Snobbish is a term used to describe someone who is arrogant and condescending towards others. It refers to a person who believes they are of a higher social class or superior to others.