show-off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (B2)Informal, often pejorative.
Quick answer
What does “show-off” mean?
A person who deliberately behaves or displays things in a way intended to attract attention, admiration, or envy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who deliberately behaves or displays things in a way intended to attract attention, admiration, or envy.
An act or instance of showing off; behaviour intended to impress others, often perceived as ostentatious, boastful, or unnecessarily flashy. Also used attributively (e.g., a show-off move).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar in both variants. The hyphenated noun form 'show-off' is standard. The verb is 'show off' (two words).
Connotations
Slightly stronger negative connotation in British English, often implying arrogance. In American English, can sometimes be used with a degree of admiration for skill, though still critical of the behaviour.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English corpora; common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “show-off” in a Sentence
He is a [show-off].Don't be such a [show-off].She was accused of being a [show-off].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “show-off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He bought the flashy car just to show off.
- She's always showing off about her famous friends.
American English
- He showed off his new basketball moves.
- Stop showing off and just play the game.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial form).
American English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial form).
adjective
British English
- That was a real show-off move with his new watch.
- He has a show-off attitude.
American English
- Her show-off presentation was more style than substance.
- It's just show-off behavior.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used informally to criticize a colleague who ostentatiously highlights their achievements. 'He's such a show-off in client meetings.'
Academic
Very rare; considered too informal.
Everyday
Very common in describing peers, children, or public behaviour perceived as boastful.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “show-off”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “show-off”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “show-off”
- Writing it as one word ('showoff') or as two words when used as a noun ('He is a show off'). The correct noun form is hyphenated.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost always. It criticizes someone for seeking excessive attention. Rarely, it can be used affectionately among friends if the 'showing off' is harmless and skilled.
A confident person doesn't need external validation. A 'show-off' actively seeks admiration and attention, often exaggerating their abilities or possessions.
Yes, but as two words: 'to show off'. The hyphenated form 'show-off' is only a noun (or adjective). Example: 'He loves to show off (verb) because he's a show-off (noun).'
Not directly. Words like 'flamboyant' or 'charismatic' can describe attention-getting behaviour more positively. 'Show-off' inherently implies the display is excessive and for vanity.
A person who deliberately behaves or displays things in a way intended to attract attention, admiration, or envy.
Show-off is usually informal, often pejorative. in register.
Show-off: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊ ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊ ɑːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All show and no go.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone who SHOWs OFF their new car or grades – they are a SHOW-OFF.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISPLAY IS VANITY / ATTENTION IS A COMMODITY (someone who spends their 'attention' currency frivolously).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'show-off' correctly as a noun?