Cock
/kΙk/noun
An adult male chicken.
Did you know?The bird sense is ancient English, but the same word also became a slang term for the male sex organ and a lever or tap, showing how one short word can split into very different social and symbolic lives.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
cocc
βa male bird, especially a roosterβ
Late Old English / Early Middle English
English
cock
βa rooster; later also various familiar or contemptuous usesβ
Middle English
English
cock
βa male chicken; also a penis, a tap or spout, and other extended sensesβ
16th Century
English
cock
βcommon slang and technical use in several senses, including the male sex organ and a valve or faucet handleβ
Modern English
English
cock
βan adult male chicken; also a vulgar slang term and several mechanical sensesβ
Explore more surprising origins