Meanings of “Cock a Hoop”
The phrase “cock a hoop” means to live in an exciting situation, jubilation, or happiness. It also means to live in an elated state of mind.
Origin of “Cock a Hoop”
The phrase “cock a hoop” is stated to have originated during the 15th century as Thomas Blount has speculated about its usage in his lexicography work, Glossographia, published in 1670. He states that “Our Ancestors call’d that the Cock which we call a Spigget, or perhaps they used such Cocks in their vessels, as are still retained in water-pipes; the Cock being taken out, and laid on the hoop of the vessel, they used to drink up the ale as it ran out without intermission and then they were Cock-on-Hoop, that is, at the height of mirth and jollity; a saying still retained’.”
However, an earlier usage shows it in its real meanings as The Comedye of Acolastus which was published in 1540 and written by Palsgrave, who shows it used as; “Let us sette the cocke on the hope and make good chere within doores.” Since then, the phrase has been used in the same sense but with standardized spellings.
Examples in Literature
Example #1
Cock-A-Hoop! by Edward Kofi Louis
Clued up!
Clump,
Cirque,
Care of;
Coat of mail.Coaxial,
Cock-a-hoop!
Coal tar,
Great care;
Cochineal.
The above stanzas have mixed the meanings of the phrase with the satisfaction of the singer, while the second stanza sheds light on the singer’s different personality. He himself announces that he is not just Manfred, but five men. The phrase has been used to show the happiness of the singer.
Example #2
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
CAPULET
He shall be endured.
What, goodman boy! I say, he shall. Go to.
Am I the master here, or you? Go to.
You’ll not endure him! God shall mend my soul,
You’ll make a mutiny among my guests.
You will set cock-a-hoop. You’ll be the man!
Act -I, Scene -V
In the above lines, Capulet responds to Tybalt about his position saying that he is not going to tolerate that person they are talking about. Capulet rather rebuffs Tybalt that he is not going to tolerate him and that he is not going to cause a cook-a-hoop which has been used in an ironic way in that he means that he is going to be a rabble-rouser. The use of the phrase is quite literal.
Example #3
Cock-A-Hoop by Manfred Mann
I’m cock-a-hoop (Cook-a-hoop)
I’m cock-a-hoop (Cock-a-hoop)
And I feel alright (Alright, alright)
I feel alright (Alright, alright)Look out, look out, it’s in your town
It’s called Manfred Mann, and it runs around
Come on, all you chicks and grown up hens
It’s one Manfred Mann, but it’s five men
1-2-3-4-5!
The above stanzas have mixed the meanings of the phrase with the satisfaction of the singer, while the second stanza sheds light on the singer’s different personality. He himself announces that he is not just Manfred, but five men. The phrase has been used to show the happiness of the singer.
Example #4
Portrait of the Artist’s Wife by Barbara Anderson
His hand slammed down on Joachim. ‘You are cock-a-hoop, cock-a-hoop already, is it, because one silly little exhibition at the bottom of the world is a success. Yes, a big success.’ He paused. ‘Here.’ He paused. ‘In Wellington.’
‘He told me I had to know I was good!’
‘Yes, yes, yes. But…’
Old shook her head at the still-proffered chair. ‘No,’ she said and moved towards the kitchen.
This excerpt addresses Joachim using this phrase. It means that he is showing his extreme jubilation. He means that he is a successful person in a happy state of mind.
Example in Sentences
Example #1: “Wendy and Earl are living in a cock a hoop; they just built a new house and have new pets. Life is good for them during these troubled times.”
Example #2: “John Webster has left the wild forest for good taking a cock a hoop feeling with him that the has lived close to nature for so long and that he is fully satisfied with his meditation.”
Example #3: “He is as sitting as if he is in a cock of hoop state, though, he was just got thrashed by his father for not obeying me.”
Example #4: “Once they are in the cock a hoop state, they know no limit to their happiness and cock a hoop has simply become their expression of the heart.”
Example #5: “I do not want to stay cock a hoop after failing the test. At least I need to stay like that because I can choose art college instead of science.”