Cockscomb
/ˈkɒksˌkəʊm/noun
A fleshy red crest on the head of a rooster; also a fool or fop, or the style of a flamboyant, peaked haircut.
Did you know?The insulting sense of cockscomb grew from the old idea that a fop was as showy and ridiculous as a rooster strutting around with its bright red crest.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
cocc
“rooster, male bird”
Old English
OE
camb
“comb; crest; ridge”
Middle English
ME
cokescombe
“a rooster's comb; later, a foppish or foolish person”
16th Century
English
cockscomb
“the crest of a rooster; also a vain, foolish dandy”
Modern English
English
cockscomb
“the comb of a rooster; by extension, a fool or fop”