show-off

American  

[shoh-awf, -of] / ˈʃoʊˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

Also showoff

noun

1. a person given to pretentious display.

   Synonyms:

   braggart, exhibitionist

2. the act of showing off.

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show off British  

verb

1. (tr) to exhibit or display so as to invite admiration

2. informal (intr) to behave in such a manner as to make an impression

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noun

1. informal a person who makes a vain display of himself

show off Idioms  

1. Display in an ostentatious, conspicuous way; also, seek attention by displaying one's accomplishments, abilities, or possessions. For example, I'm wearing shorts to show off my Florida tan, or Karen loved showing off her new baby to her friends, or There's no need to show off, Fred; we all know you're a good dancer. [Early 1800s]

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Other Word Forms

• show-offish adjective

Etymology

Origin of show-off

First recorded in 1770–80; noun use of verb phrase show off

Example Sentences

Seeking eternal life, he learns the secret of 72 Transformations from a venerated Buddhist teacher and then becomes an irreverent show-off.

From Los Angeles Times

Charlie says he doesn't want to be seen as a show-off, so when asked about himself volunteers "something else a bit more boring".

From BBC

As a child, he would sometimes talk to this star, but only when he was his most serious, real self, and not being any sort of a show-off or clown.

From Literature

What for other dancers might be show-off steps are integrated into a poetic vision, a different way of being.

From New York Times

As a child she loved to perform — she recalled herself as “a shameful show-off” — but she never considered an acting career.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• brag
• flaunt