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

"Data is a really good way to humblebrag, as opposed to actually taking selfies in all of your best clothes surrounded by all of your best people and belongings," Prof Wilson adds.

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2024

The country star Luke Combs perfects the humblebrag in “5 Leaf Clover.”

From New York Times • Mar. 17, 2023

He has used Twitter to extend a hand across the void, not just humblebrag about himself.

From Washington Post • Apr. 9, 2020

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

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2019