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

As a child, he would sometimes talk to this star, but only when he was his most serious, real self, and not being any sort of a show-off or clown.

From Literature

What for other dancers might be show-off steps are integrated into a poetic vision, a different way of being.

From New York Times

As a child she loved to perform — she recalled herself as “a shameful show-off” — but she never considered an acting career.

From Washington Times

“It’s a little bit of a show-off song, but people also like to sing along to the chorus because it’s very simple,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

"In his early days, I accept, he showboated a lot," said Ferguson, who also described the young Ronaldo as "a wee show-off desperate to convince everyone how good he was".

From BBC

Related Words

• brag
• flaunt