heroics

British  

/ hɪˈrəʊɪks /

plural noun

1. prosody short for heroic verse

2. extravagant or melodramatic language, behaviour, etc

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Explanation

When you act brave in an overly showy way, that's heroics. Sailing your little boat out into a raging storm just so you can brag about it later? Clearly nothing but heroics. Heroics is used to mean both true heroism and a bravado that often involves dangerous or ridiculous actions. Use it in the first way for real bravery, like the heroics of a firefighter rescuing someone from a burning house or an emergency room doctor who saves a patient with a serious injury. Used in the second way, this word describes false or showy bravery and can even describe someone's speech: "He bragged about his success on the soccer field, but it was all just heroics."

Example Sentences

After a stellar career that included Olympic gold in 2016, Ryder Cup heroics and reaching No. 1 in the world, it began to look like time was catching up to Rose.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Kerr is no stranger to producing heroics, especially against South Africa, as she inspired New Zealand to victory against them in a T20 World Cup final in 2024.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The playoff-chasing Orlando Magic edged another thriller against the Dallas Mavericks thanks to last-gasp heroics by Jalen Suggs.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

He was key to their wins in 2019 and 2022, of course, but also on the field for their most recent Ashes win and Ben Stokes' heroics at Headingley.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

I catch Katherine's eye, and something about the jut of her chin makes me think that she’s thinking the same thing I am, that maybe she's also planning a bit of heroics.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

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