Etymological question

Where’s the expression “cockeyed” come from?

6 responses to “Etymological question

  1. Do you know the origin of the word cockeyed?

    There are two positions on this word. One suggests that it came from Irish Gaelic caoch, which means

  2. Miguel

    Thanks.

    I like the Gaelic explanation, although it doesn’t explain the current meaning. I would think there’d be some connection with chickens, since they’re generally silly animals.

  3. Shelby :)

    Don’t chickens generally kinda tilt their heads and look at you sidways, due to their eyes being on the sides of their head and all? That’s where I always thought the phrase came from.

  4. i’m with shelby on that one. at least that’s what i always thought. v. interesting query, and response from joeri. y’all are grooby hepcats.

  5. I thought it was some kind of penis thing.

  6. Kate

    Thank you so much for posting the answer to the question. I’ve always wondered about that too. :-)