self-flattery

American  

[self-flat-uh-ree, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈflæt ə ri, ˈsɛlf- /

noun

1. praise and exaggeration of one's own achievements coupled with a denial or glossing over of one's faults or failings; self-congratulation.

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Other Word Forms

• self-flattering
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-flattery

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

If not forgetting, then perhaps self-flattery is a motive.

From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2022

He fills his speeches with arcane detours and self-flattery.

From Slate • Nov. 2, 2020

It was not sworn testimony, but an autobiography with all the self-flattery and exculpation associated with that genre.

From The Guardian • Apr. 20, 2018

For a former athlete, criticizing current players is a form of self-flattery, even though the glory days for guys like Pierce and Bruschi date all the way to 2008.

From New York Times • Nov. 2, 2011

And many a time Siddhartha even doubted whether this knowledge, this thought, was of such great value, whether it was not also perhaps the childish self-flattery of thinkers, who were perhaps only thinking children.

From "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse