weird flex

Meaning

This expression is used to point out when someone is boasting or bragging about something that is actually strange, unimpressive, or even negative. It is often used as a lighthearted or sarcastic retort, sometimes completed as 'weird flex, but OK'. It originated on social media and is highly common in casual online and spoken conversations.

Examples

• He boasted about only needing four hours of sleep a night, which is a weird flex.

  He boasted about only needing four hours of sleep a night, which is a weird flex.

• She proudly told everyone she has never read a book in her life—weird flex, but OK.

  She proudly told everyone she has never read a book in her life—weird flex, but OK.

• Bragging about how much tax you had to pay this year is a bit of a weird flex.

  Bragging about how much tax you had to pay this year is a bit of a weird flex.

• He was showing off his collection of parking tickets like it was a weird flex.

  He was showing off his collection of parking tickets like it was a weird flex.

• Saying you've never eaten a vegetable is a weird flex, honestly.

  Saying you've never eaten a vegetable is a weird flex, honestly.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He did a weird flex with his muscles at the gym.

  ✓ He showed off his muscles at the gym, which was a bit weird.

  'Weird flex' is a metaphorical idiom meaning an odd boast. It does not refer to literally flexing physical muscles unless used in a highly specific, punny joke.

• ✗ I have a weird flex about my new job.

  ✓ I want to brag a little about my new job.

  You do not usually use 'weird flex' to describe your own achievements. It is almost always used by an observer to criticize an unusual or inappropriate boast made by someone else.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Bragging about how many energy drinks you consume daily is a total ___.

  💡 An odd or questionable boast.

  Show answer

  weird flex

• She proudly announced she hasn't drank water in three days. ___ , but okay.

  💡 The classic follow-up phrase used to acknowledge an odd brag.

  Show answer

  Weird flex