Pronunciation: [kˈɒka͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The word "Cockeye" refers to someone who has a squint, or a lazy or wandering eye. It is spelled phonetically as [ˈkɑkiˌaɪ], with emphasis on the first syllable. The "c" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound, followed by "ock," and "eye" at the end. The word is of American origin, first used in the late 19th century. It is often seen as a derogatory term, so caution should be taken when using it.
Cockeye is a colloquial term used to describe an individual or an animal with a misaligned or askew eye. This condition, known as strabismus, refers to the inability of both eyes to focus simultaneously on a single point, causing one eye to deviate from its normal position. The affected eye may appear turned inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia), resulting in a distinctive, misaligned appearance.
Cockeye is often used more informally and metaphorically to describe something that is crooked, lopsided, or unbalanced, beyond just referring to an ocular abnormality. It can be used to describe objects, structures, or even ideas that deviate from the norm or lack symmetry. The term can also be employed in a figurative sense to characterize a person's humorous or quirky nature, suggesting a mischievous or eccentric individual.
While the term "cockeye" may have a negative connotation due to its association with physical or structural irregularity, it is important to use such descriptive terms with sensitivity and respect, considering the potential impact on individuals with strabismus. It is advisable to use more neutral and inclusive language when discussing such conditions to avoid stigmatization or marginalization.
The word Cockeye is believed to have originated from 19th-century American slang. It is derived from the word cock, which means to tilt or angle. The term Cockeye specifically refers to a condition where one eye is slightly higher or lower than the other, causing them to not align properly. The term may have been used to describe a person's physical appearance, particularly their eyes, hence the association with the word cock and the suffix -eye.
