Translation guide
To become overconfident, arrogant, or too bold, often after success or when feeling safe.
Describing someone who starts acting superior or too self-assured, often after a success.
Literally 'to ride the momentum'. Very common for getting carried away or cocky, often with a negative nuance.
When someone becomes overly forward, cheeky, or takes liberties, often in a social situation.
Both mean getting cocky, but 調子に乗る is broader and can refer to getting carried away in the moment, while 天狗になる specifically implies conceit and arrogance from success or praise. 調子に乗る is more common in daily speech.
There is no direct verb 'to get cocky' in Japanese. Use the phrases above depending on the nuance. Avoid literal translations like 'コッキーになる'.
He gets cocky as soon as he's praised a little.
I got cocky and messed up.
Literally 'to become a tengu' (a mythical creature with a long nose, symbolizing arrogance). Used when someone becomes conceited, often due to praise or success.
He's gotten cocky after his success.
To get a big head, to become self-satisfied. Often used when someone gets too comfortable or overconfident.
Don't get cocky just because you won a little.
Similar to 調子に乗る but slightly more literary or old-fashioned. Means to take advantage of someone's kindness and become presumptuous.
He got cocky because of our kindness and escalated his demands.
To become impudent or take advantage of someone's leniency. Often used when someone gets too bold after being treated kindly.
If you're nice to him, he gets cocky right away.
To become cheeky or impertinent. Often used for younger people or subordinates acting above their station.
Young people these days get cocky so quickly.
To become arrogant or grow presumptuous. More formal and often used in written contexts.
Success made him cocky.