Definition

1. Noun:

   • A river steamboat used as a floating theater: A "showboat" is a type of boat, historically a paddle steamer, that travels along rivers and presents theatrical performances, such as plays and musicals, to audiences in different towns. This was especially common on the Mississippi River in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

2. Verb (informal):

   • To show off or perform in a flashy, attention-seeking manner: To "showboat" means to behave or perform in an ostentatious way intended to attract notice and admiration, often excessively or without substance.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The famous showboat traveled down the river, bringing entertainment to isolated communities.
  • Mark Twain's stories often mention the colorful life on a Mississippi showboat.

• Verb:

  • The basketball player tends to showboat after scoring a simple basket, which annoys his teammates.
  • Stop showboating and just focus on playing the music correctly.

Advanced Usage

• "To be a showboat": Used as a noun to describe a person who habitually shows off.
  • He's such a showboat, always finding a way to be the center of attention at parties.

Variants and Related Words

• Showboating (noun/gerund): The act of showing off.
  • His constant showboating during the presentation distracted from the actual content.

Synonyms

• Noun (boat): Floating theater, riverboat theater.
• Verb (to show off): Grandstand, hot-dog, show off, strut, swagger.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "All showboat and no go": A play on the idiom "all show and no go," describing something or someone that appears impressive but lacks real substance or performance.
  • That flashy new sports car is all showboat and no go; my old sedan is faster.

Noun

1. a river steamboat on which theatrical performances could be given (especially on the Mississippi River)