Proud as a Peacock
🦚 Definition: Having an exceedingly high opinion of oneself—one’s dignity or one’s importance. This comparison to a peacock, believed to allude to its strutting gait, dates back to the 13th century. Geoffrey Chaucer used the simile multiple times, and it has been cooed and crowed about ever since. William Cowper famously described it as, “The self-applauding bird the peacock” in Truth (1781).
Related and Similar Terms:
- Cocky as a rooster: To be arrogantly confident.
- Full of oneself: Being excessively self-centered.
- On cloud nine: Extremely happy; blissfully unaware.
- King of the hill: Dominating one’s surroundings or field.
- Walking tall: Displaying confidence and pride.
Synonyms:
- Arrogant
- Haughty
- Conceited
- Self-important
Antonyms:
- Humble
- Modest
- Self-effacing
- Down-to-earth
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Why fit in when you were born to stand out like a colorblind peacock in a flock of pigeons?” - (Imaginary quote by Dr. Seuss’s whimsical cousin, Mr. Woose)
- “Ever met someone so proud they could strut while sitting down? Yeah, that’s ‘Proud as a Peacock’.” - Unnamed Comedian
Proverbs:
- “Pride comes before a fall.” - Classic cautionary proverb.
- “Birds of feather flock together, unless one becomes too proud, then they strut alone.” - Modern twist
Suggested Literature, Songs, Poems, and Movies:
- Literature: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- Songs: “Peacock” by Katy Perry
- Poems: “The Peacock” by W.B. Yeats
- Movies: The Devil Wears Prada
Quizzes:
### Which of these idioms describes someone who is overconfident?
- [x] Proud as a peacock
- [ ] Quiet as a mouse
- [ ] Busy as a bee
- [ ] Happy as a clam
> **Explanation:** "Proud as a peacock" is used to describe someone with excessive pride and self-importance.
### Which expression means the same as "proud as a peacock"?
- [x] Cocky as a rooster
- [ ] Gentle as a lamb
- [ ] Cool as a cucumber
- [ ] Sweet as pie
> **Explanation:** "Cocky as a rooster" carries the same connotations of arrogance and self-importance.
### True or False: Chaucer used the simile 'proud as a peacock.'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Geoffrey Chaucer did use the simile "proud as a peacock" multiple times in his works.
May our words always strut with authenticity, yet never preen too proudly. Celebrate your spirit; color the world—just remember, even peacocks need to ground their roots.
— Elysia Peckenwitt
