cocked out

USAGE SUMMARY

'cocked out' is not a correct phrase and would not be usable in written English.
A more appropriate phrase would be 'cocked an ear'. For example, "Jack cocked an ear, trying to make out what the person was saying."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

5. Idiots Sure, you can look at a scientist and demand, with your indignant voice and hip cocked out because you've got attitude, "Where's my flying car?" But have you stopped to consider what it takes to make a car fly?

Huffington Post

Dad always drove, with his cigarette cocked out of the little side vent window and his right hand draped over the steering wheel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Head slightly cocked, palms out, she seems to challenge the audience either to crucify her or make something real out of her.

The New York Times

I saved seventy-seven lives!" Then words would fail him, and he would gaze at the picture with his glossy head cocked, looking out beyond the swimming line to where the river ran strong.

The New Yorker

Will he get his cock out?

The Guardian - Sport

Put down those weapons and get your cocks out for the boys!

The Guardian - Opinion

'No, I'm not getting my cock out for you,' says Goode, his charming smile widening to a grin.

The Guardian - Film

Liberal, lovely London where young, well-dressed men can bellow "Get your cock out for the boys" to an unwitting audience of strangers on the tube.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Geeeeeet your cock out for the boys!" As good-looking-but-extremely-drunk-man got his cock out for the imaginary boys, (who contrary to imaginary expectations did not cheer in imaginary excitement at the sight of his exposed member flapping in the warm breeze of the London Underground, leading to rather an anti-climax) I looked at my watch: 8pm.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Well, I guess at times I was like, 'Well, you know there's so much more to the film than me with my cock out.' One journalist kicked things off saying, 'So what's it like to have a big cock?' That was the first thing she said to me.

The Guardian - Film

"Get your cock out!", the good looking young man on the Northern Line bellowed at a young man swaying drunkenly on the other side of the carriage, as his friends - three giggling girls in lycra, ballet pumps and thick fringes - chirruped nervously, and slugged back a magnum of Pinot.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to use a phrase indicating direction or position, consider more standard alternatives like "tilted outward" or "angled away" to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Be mindful of the phrase's potential vulgar connotations, especially when the intention is simply to describe a physical position. Using a more neutral alternative can prevent unintended offense or miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cocked out" functions primarily as a descriptive modifier, indicating a position or direction. However, its usage is limited due to potential vulgar connotations, as evidenced by Ludwig's AI, which suggests that it's not a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "cocked out" can describe a physical position or direction, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect and often carries vulgar connotations. As Ludwig AI points out, it's "not a correct phrase" for standard written English. Occurring rarely and primarily in informal news and media, its use should be approached with caution. It's recommended to opt for more neutral and precise alternatives like "tilted outward" or "angled away" to avoid misinterpretations and ensure clarity, especially in professional or academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tilted outward

Describes a similar physical position, focusing on the direction something is pointing.

jutted out

Emphasizes the extension or protrusion of something from a surface.

angled away

Highlights the direction of departure from a specific point.

extended outward

Focuses on the action of something being stretched or moved away from a central point.

protruded

A more formal term for sticking out, often used in technical or descriptive contexts.

projected outward

Similar to 'extended outward' but often used in more technical or planned scenarios.

inclined outwards

Describes something leaning or sloping away from a center.

bowed outward

Describes a curved shape extending away from the center.

arched outward

Similar to 'bowed outward' but implies a more pronounced curve.

bent away

Highlights a bending motion directing something away from a point.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "cocked out" when describing a physical position?

You can use phrases like "tilted outward", "angled away", or "projected outward" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "cocked out" grammatically correct in formal writing?

No, "cocked out" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and inappropriate for formal or professional writing. It's best to opt for more standard and neutral alternatives like "extended outward" or "inclined outwards".

How can I avoid misinterpretations when using phrases similar to "cocked out"?

Consider the context and audience when choosing your words. If there's a risk of vulgar connotations, select a more neutral alternative like "jutted out" or "protruded" to avoid any unintended offense or miscommunication.

What's the difference between "cocked out" and "tilted outward"?

"Cocked out" is an informal and potentially vulgar phrase, while "tilted outward" is a more neutral and descriptive term that simply indicates the direction or angle of something. Therefore, "tilted outward" is preferable in most contexts.