bumptious

[ buhmp-shuhs ]

adjective

1. offensively self-assertive:

   a bumptious young upstart.

   Synonyms: brash, cheeky, cocky, forward, pushy

bumptious

/ ˈbʌmpʃəs /

adjective

1. offensively self-assertive or conceited

Derived Forms

• ˈbumptiously, adverb
• ˈbumptiousness, noun

Other Words From

• bumptious·ly adverb
• bumptious·ness noun
• over·bumptious adjective
• over·bumptious·ly adverb
• over·bumptious·ness noun
• un·bumptious adjective
• un·bumptious·ly adverb
• un·bumptious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bumptious¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; bump + (frac)tious

Word History and Origins

Origin of bumptious¹

C19: perhaps a blend of bump + fractious

Example Sentences

Bumptious little man, and yet—and yet there's something in him.

From Project Gutenberg

The court was thrown into amazement, and even Bumptious quailed before the fist of the mighty Jorrocks.

From Project Gutenberg

She was always—not exactly proud like, but what I calls Bumptious.

From Project Gutenberg