cocoler

A rare, regional verb — used in some Francophone regions, notably Belgium and parts of northern France — meaning to pamper, cuddle, or fuss over someone affectionately, close in meaning to cajoler or chouchouter. Not standard in metropolitan French outside those areas.

• Sa grand-mère n'arrête pas de le cocoler. — His grandmother never stops fussing over him affectionately.
• Elle cocole son chat comme un enfant. — She pampers her cat like a child.
• On la cocolait beaucoup quand elle était petite. — She was fussed over and pampered a lot as a child.

Cocoler is regional and will sound unfamiliar to many French speakers outside Belgium and northern France — cajoler or chouchouter are the safer, universally understood choices.

Often confused with cajoler.