humblebrag (verb; new expression)
2016.08.24
Meaning:
A humblebrag is a new word, most often used on the internet. ‘humble’ means modest. ‘brag’ means ‘to talk about how good you are’. For example, if I say, ‘I am the most beautiful woman in this room’ or ‘I own a very expensive car’, I am bragging. Brag has a negative nuance, of course! But humble (modest) is positive. So if you say something that seems humble, but is really hidden bragging, that’s a humblebrag. For example:
●I can’t believe I graduated from Harvard 3 years ago!
●I just gave $100 to a homeless man. Irrational kindness feels so good!
●A stranger grabbed my arm today and said ‘muscles’. Awkward.
Example:
A: I’d rather paint than clean and now my bedroom is so messy. There is a pizza box on the floor! Oh well! The price for creativity is mess!
B: That’s such a humblebrag! You just wanted to tell me that you’re creative!
Talking Point(s):
Have you ever humblebragged?
Practice English by posting an answer to the Talking Point on https://www.facebook.com/GetGOEikaiwa