show-off
/'ʃouɔf/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who deliberately behaves in a conspicuous or ostentatious manner to attract attention and impress others. It refers to someone who boasts about their abilities, possessions, or achievements, often to gain admiration or provoke envy.
Usage
- The word "show-off" is a countable noun. It is typically used in informal contexts to describe a person whose behavior is perceived as arrogant or attention-seeking. It carries a negative connotation, implying vanity or insecurity.
Examples
- Noun:
- He's such a show-off, always talking about his expensive car.
- Don't be a show-off; just play the game fairly without all the flashy tricks.
- The meeting was interrupted by a show-off who wanted to demonstrate his irrelevant expertise.
Advanced Usage
- "to be a bit of a show-off": This phrase is often used to soften the criticism, suggesting the behavior is occasional or mild.
- My brother can be a bit of a show-off when he gets a new gadget.
Variants and Related Words
- Show-offy (adj, informal): Characteristic of a show-off; ostentatious.
- His show-offy behavior made everyone uncomfortable.
- Showing off (gerund/noun phrase): The act of behaving like a show-off.
- His constant showing off during the presentation was distracting.
Synonyms
- Braggart: A person who boasts about achievements or possessions.
- Exhibitionist: A person who behaves in an extravagant way to attract attention. (Can have a stronger, sometimes psychological connotation.)
- Poser: Someone who acts in an affected way to impress others.
Antonyms
- Modest person: Someone who does not boast about their abilities or achievements.
- Wallflower: A person who remains on the sidelines and avoids attracting attention.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "All show and no go": Used to describe someone or something that looks impressive but has no real substance or performance. This idiom is related to the concept of being a "show-off."
- He talks a big game, but he's all show and no go.
Noun
- someone who deliberately behaves in such a way as to attract attention