show-off

[ shoh-awf, -of ]

noun

1. a person given to pretentious display.

   Synonyms: braggart, exhibitionist

2. the act of showing off.

show off

verb

1. tr to exhibit or display so as to invite admiration
2. informal.
   intr to behave in such a manner as to make an impression

noun

1. informal.
   a person who makes a vain display of himself

Other Words From

• show-offish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of show-off¹

First recorded in 1770–80; noun use of verb phrase show off

Idioms and Phrases

Display in an ostentatious, conspicuous way; also, seek attention by displaying one's accomplishments, abilities, or possessions. For example, I'm wearing shorts to show off my Florida tan , or Karen loved showing off her new baby to her friends , or There's no need to show off, Fred; we all know you're a good dancer . [Early 1800s]

Example Sentences

Months after sporting a fake baby belly in the music video for Machine Gun Kelly and Jelly Roll’s “Lonely Road,” Megan Fox is showing off her bona fide bump.

From Los Angeles Times

These have allowed him to show off more of his personality.

From BBC

With two films out this season — “The Woman King” and “Matilda the Musical” — Lashana Lynch shows off vastly different aspects of herself.

From Los Angeles Times

The actor leverages his physical comedy to ooze smoothness, grinding in his chair to show off how much Bad Bunny loves the club.

From Salon

Nearby, Manny Yekutiel, the owner of Manny’s, a restaurant and civic gathering space in the city’s Mission District, was buzzing around showing off his “patriotic nails” painted red white and blue and festooned with glitter.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brag
• flaunt