🐓 Cock of the Walk: Strutting to the Top 🏆
Definition
Cock of the Walk (noun):
The leader in a group, particularly one who is quite conceited about their position. Originating from the world of animal husbandry, this term initially referred to the dominant rooster in a flock who would strut his stuff with unapologetic arrogance.
Origins and History
In an enclosure for domestic fowl, known as a “walk,” roosters would fight for supremacy until only one remained—the supreme leader, or “cock of the walk.” This term started showing up metaphorically in the early nineteenth century to describe equally overconfident humans.
Related Terms and Phrases
- Big Cheese: A person of importance or authority.
- Top Dog: The person who has achieved the highest position or who dominates a particular domain.
- Kingpin: A person of essential or fundamental importance in an organization.
- Big Kahuna: An influential person; derived from hawaiian culture where it means a priest or leader.
- Head Honcho: The person in charge or of highest authority.
Synonyms
- Boss
- Leader
- Chief
- King
- Head
Antonyms
- Underling
- Follower
- Subordinate
- Worker
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “He strutted in like he was the cock of the walk, but left quiet as a mouse after I showed him my spreadsheet.”
- “The cock of the walk soon realized there were bigger roosters in the barnyard of life.”
Literature, Books, Songs, and Movies
Literature:
- Animal Farm by George Orwell - examines social hierarchy among animals, exploring arrogance and power.
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding - delves into leadership and the struggle for dominance among boys stranded on an island.
Movies:
- The Wolf of Wall Street - explores the bombastic nature of leadership in the financial world.
- Mad Max: Fury Road - deals with various struggles for power and dominance.
Songs:
- “We Are the Champions” by Queen - a classic anthem of dominance and victory.
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor - a motivational tune encapsulating the spirit of leadership and rising to the top.
Poetry:
- Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley - directed towards leaders and their inevitable downfall.
Proverbs and Expressions
- “Pride comes before a fall.”
- “Heavy lies the head that wears the crown.”
- “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”
### Which of these phrases means the most conceited leader?
- [x] Cock of the walk
- [ ] Chicken on a treadmill
- [ ] Rooster in the rain
- [ ] Hen in a hat
> **Explanation:** "Cock of the walk" refers to the prideful alpha, while the others are a feather short of making sense.
### What film character epitomizes the term 'cock of the walk'?
- [x] Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street
- [ ] Forrest Gump
- [ ] Paddington Bear
- [ ] Luke Skywalker
> **Explanation:** Jordan Belfort from The Wolf of Wall Street exemplifies the 'cock of the walk' characteristic with his brazen confidence and extravagant leadership style.
### True or False: 'Cock of the walk' originally describes a dog.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** It originally describes a rooster, the dominant one in an enclosure for domestic fowl.
### Which novel's storyline revolves around leadership and dominance struggles?
- [ ] Pride and Prejudice
- [x] Lord of the Flies
- [ ] Twilight
- [ ] The Catcher in the Rye
> **Explanation:** *Lord of the Flies* involves significant themes around leadership, dominance, and the human condition.
Remember, in the grand barnyard of life, sometimes it’s beneficial to let other roosters have their moment.
Warmest regards, E. P. Eggbert
