What it means
A show-off is that person who can't just do the thing, they need an audience, lighting, and maybe a slow clap too. It's for someone who's being flashy, braggy, or extra for attention, whether it's big skills, money, looks, or pure ego acrobatics. Usually said with an eye-roll, though sometimes there's a tiny bit of respect hiding under the cringe.
Usage examples
"He's such a show-off, did three backflips just because a crowd had gathered."
"Put your phone away, nobody likes a show-off flashing their new gadget."
"Quit peacocking round the gym, mate, you're such a show-off."
"She only posted the upgrade to make everyone jealous, absolute show-off."
Where it comes from
Show-off comes from the verb phrase to show off, meaning to display your abilities, possessions, or qualities to impress people. That sense is recorded in English from the 1700s, and the noun show-off is well established by the 1800s for a person who does exactly that, loud and proud.
Other ways to say it
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