This week's theme
Terms that appear offensive but aren't

This week's words
queer street
niggler
tar baby
cockshy
niggard

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(KOK-shy)

MEANING:

noun:
1. The game of throwing missiles at a target; such a throw.
2. An object of criticism or ridicule.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Old English cocc (rooster) + shy (to throw), of uncertain origin. Earliest documented use: 1836.

NOTES:

NOTES: At one time it was a popular sport to throw sticks or stones at roosters. Unfortunately, some people still believe it's a sport to shoot at pigeons and other animals.

USAGE:

"Digby Jones: If he wants to take a cockshy at business for electoral reasons that's understandable. But I don't want it doing damage to the image of business, particularly in our schools."
Louise Armitstead and David Smith; Which Cameron Really Means Business?; The Sunday Times (London, UK); May 28, 2006.

"The rabble of Edinburgh were all out ... to hurl their missiles of hate at that sure cock-shy."
Margaret Irwin; The Bride; 1939.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: