humblebrag

Meaning

An ostensibly modest, self-deprecating, or complaining statement whose actual purpose is to draw attention to something of which one is proud. It is commonly used on social media when someone complains about a positive aspect of their life to show off subtly.

Examples

• Saying 'I hate how tired I get from flying first class all the time' is a classic humblebrag.

  Saying 'I hate how tired I get from flying first class all the time' is a classic humblebrag.

• She posted a humblebrag about how hard it is to choose between two Ivy League scholarship offers.

  She posted a humblebrag about how hard it is to choose between two Ivy League scholarship offers.

• His social media feed is full of humblebrags disguised as complaints about his busy schedule.

  His social media feed is full of humblebrags disguised as complaints about his busy schedule.

• Don't humblebrag about your perfect skin by complaining that you look too young for your age.

  Don't humblebrag about your perfect skin by complaining that you look too young for your age.

• I didn't mean to humblebrag, but I really am exhausted from winning all these awards this week.

  I didn't mean to humblebrag, but I really am exhausted from winning all these awards this week.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She did a humble bragged on her Instagram.

  ✓ She humblebragged on her Instagram.

  'Humblebrag' can be used directly as a verb. If you wish to use it as a noun, say 'posted a humblebrag' or 'made a humblebrag'.

• ✗ He is always humble boasting about his wealth.

  ✓ He is always humblebragging about his wealth.

  'Humblebrag' is the established portmanteau word; 'humble boasting' is not a standard English expression.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Complaining about having too many job offers is just a major ___.

  💡 A boast disguised as a complaint.

  Show answer

  humblebrag

• She tried to ___ by saying she has no time to spend her massive bonus.

  💡 To brag in a self-deprecating or modest way.

  Show answer

  humblebrag