English edit

Etymology edit

peacock +‎ -y

Adjective edit

peacocky (comparative more peacocky, superlative most peacocky)

  1. Proud and boastful.
    • 2007 January 1, “With Wild-Card Spot Clinched, Jets Can Finally Talk Playoffs”, in New York Times[1]:
      From his short passes to the hip-length tan winter coat he slipped on after the game, Pennington proved in myriad ways that he was all about being practical, not peacocky.
  2. Of a horse: showy in motion; holding itself high while running.
    • 1882, Shire Horse Society, Shire Horse Stud Book, volume 3, page xix:
      “Samson 4th” was third, a smart, peacocky horse, favoured by his marvellous action, which invariably catches the Judge's eye.
    • 1891, Sir George Chetwynd, Racing Reminiscences and Experiences of the Turf, page 122:
      The famous Biennial was won by Earl of Dartrey, a light, peacocky horse, who was, perhaps, better than he looked.

References edit

  • John Camden Hotten (1873) The Slang Dictionary