Thanks for having my back on this one, Juneau. "Cocky" is a negative term.

Either you have no self-confidence or you get bullied all the time.

Cocky is to be overly self-assured, self-confident, etc. People only look at it negatively because it's a "put up or shut up" attitude. Shit, when you think about it, it's more positive than negative. For example:

Though this statement isn't really cocky it's more conceited, but it'll work. I'd rather say this then:

"Oh, that monster's gonna kill us. I don't stand a chance."

THAT'S negative.

Comprende?

OT: Cloud's a cocky son of a bitch.

I agree with what the majority seem to be saying; I do believe that there is a distinction between self-confidence and cockiness. Cockiness is where self-confidence is in excess to the point of being obnoxious or oppressive, or when such confidence is unfounded. Also, cockiness tends to be a front, in an attempt to distract from or deny a crucial weakness.

In any case, Cloud is really neither one of these, in my opinion. He really falls apart after he starts to become conscious of the Zack persona. As a child, it might be said that Cloud was being cocky, when he left Nibelheim in an attempt to become the next Sephiroth. But in the main game, Cloud (in his true persona) doesn't really come across as that.

At the end of the game and in AC, I see Cloud as someone who gives unconditional love to those who are important to him and will gladly take a bullet for them. He dreams high and strives to become what he wants to be. He is also the type of person who will save your ass at times when you are in a bind.

Well, at 26 years old, I sure hope I don't bully problems! Actually, I'm quite self-confident. I really thought that showed in my writing. Guess not!

Being cocky is having an attitude, and is sometimes a cover for the lack of confidence. It's not always a bad thing, but cockiness can indicate overcompensation. Cockiness is a more reliable sign of low self-esteem than meekness is. Not always, but it can be.

Also, in your example, cockiness can cause judgement errors. If we are assuming Cloud is the speaker in your example, we all know that him going at it alone with the enemy is not wise.

See, you're going from one extreme to the other. Not being cocky does not mean you will be a defeatist. I'm not cocky, but I also don't acquiesce to defeat before the defeat comes. There is a middle ground. And just like that example is a negative, so is the first example.

Cloud was only cocky when his memories were tangled with Zack's. When he found out who he really was, that hollow cockiness was replaced with a firm self-confidence. He wasn't boastful and arrogant like before; rather, he was sure of what he needed to do, and his ability to accomplish it.

Comprende?