Definition

1. 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

1. someone who deliberately behaves in such a way as to attract attention