cock-shy

A child throws a ball at the cock-shy during the village fair.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A game or target: "cock-shy" refers to a traditional game in which players throw balls or other objects at a target, originally a live cock or a wooden representation of one, for amusement.
   • An object of ridicule or attack: By extension, "cock-shy" can mean a person or thing that is made the target of criticism, mockery, or abuse.

Usage Examples

• (A game where a target is thrown at.)
• (A person or thing subjected to criticism.)

Advanced Usage

• "to make a cock-shy of someone": to set someone up as a target for ridicule or blame.
  • The team made a cock-shy of the new manager after the loss. (They used him as a scapegoat.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cock-shy (also spelled or ): the same noun form, with no common derived variants.

Synonyms

• Target: an object aimed at in a game or contest.
• Butt: a person or thing that is the object of ridicule or criticism.
• Scapegoat: a person blamed for the mistakes of others.

Related Idioms

• "a sitting duck": an easy target for attack or criticism.

  • The unpopular CEO was a sitting duck for shareholders' complaints. (A vulnerable target.)

• "to take potshots at": to criticize or attack someone in an unfair or random way.

  • The journalist took potshots at the celebrity's lifestyle. (Made critical remarks.)

Historical Note

The term originates from the 17th–18th centuries, when a live cock was tied to a stake and used as a target in throwing games. Over time, it evolved to mean any target of verbal or physical assault.