humblebrag

American  

[huhm-buhl-brag] / ˈhʌm bəlˌbræg /

Or humble brag

noun

1. a statement intended as a boast or brag but disguised by a humble apology, complaint, etc.

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verb (used without object)

1. to make such a disguised boast or brag.

   He's humblebragging about how tired he is from his world travels.

Usage

What does humblebrag mean? When you want to boast but pretend to be modest about it, or if you gripe about something most people would desire, you're humblebragging. The term, and practice, is especially common on social media. Example: Ugh, my phone is so old! I'm embarrassed to take it with me during my dates with supermodels and actors.

Other Word Forms

• humblebragger noun

Etymology

Origin of humblebrag

First recorded in 2005–10; humble ( def. ) + brag ( def. )

Example Sentences

It's one of the most common answers used in a job interview to spin the dreaded "What's your weakness?" into a humblebrag.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

“It’s a humblebrag to have a dupe,” says Kami Marsh, 26, a cosmetology instructor from Newburgh, Ind.

From Washington Post • Mar. 22, 2023

In addition to sharing, art collectors are seeking tools to organize growing collections, connect online with gallerists and curators and, perhaps, to humblebrag about what’s on their walls.

From New York Times • Aug. 14, 2019

I know this sounds like a humblebrag or the rant of a crazy person, but it is true.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2019