navel-gazing

[ ney-vuhl-gey-zing ]

noun

, Slang.

1. excessive absorption in self-analysis or focus on a single issue.

navel-gazing

noun

1. informal.
   self-absorbed behaviour

Word History and Origins

Origin of navel-gazing¹

First recorded in 1955–60; navel ( def ) + gaz(e) ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ); perhaps from Hours With the Mystics (1856) by Robert Alfred Vaughan, English Congregationalist minister and author (1823–57), “...if a man shut himself up… turning his thoughts inward, gazing towards his navel..., he would at length behold a divine glory….”

Example Sentences

On stage, the star remembered being criticised at the start of her career for writing "navel-gazing" songs about "challenging relationships", often tackling subjects of abuse and violence.

From BBC

Lest that suggest “Postcards From the Edge” relies on navel-gazing storytelling that borrowed freely from the star’s own very public struggles with addiction, Fisher proves early on to be a master ventriloquist.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe not a crisis so much as a navel-gazing exam.

From Seattle Times

It will be even harder for Trump to win over reluctant swing voters with his navel-gazing message.

From Salon

This is a coach who can’t see far enough past his own nose to understand that in moments of defeat, a coach’s sole job isn’t navel-gazing.

From Los Angeles Times