Lexic.us

Definition of Show-off

1. Noun. Someone who deliberately behaves in such a way as to attract attention.

Definition of Show-off

1. Noun. One who shows off. ¹

2. Noun. A person who attracts attention by frequently demonstrating their talents. The tone of the word varies depending on the speaker's relationship with the subject, although it is most usually employed in a mildly mocking manner. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Show-off

Literary usage of Show-off

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and General by Thomas Spencer Baynes (1888)
"But the city itself has а тегу different aspect : its situation is relieved by numerous gentle hills, which show off to great advantage its fine public ..."

2. Proceedings by North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (1906)
"ary courtship or the instinct of the boy to show off and the girl to approve by giving attention to boys' nonsense, is cut off from the recitation. ..."

3. Woman's Share in Social Culture by Anna Garlin Spencer (1912)
"... by having in the family idle, or seemingly idle women, to "show off," while they retain for themselves the really interesting and important activities. ..."

4. A Dictionary of English Etymology by Hensleigh Wedgwood (1862)
"horse for show. G. prangen, Du. prank, ostentation, finery. Te pronk stellen, to show off; ... show off ..."

5. The Sunday Magazine by Thomas Guthrie, William Garden Blaikie, Benjamin Waugh (1869)
"So she comes forward in the character of Ilis prompter and patroness—with somewhat of a woman's and a mother's desire to show off the high dignity of her ..."

6. Talking Business by John Mantle Clapp, L. N. Andres (1919)
"Not Too Graphic — Don't Show-Off! One caution, as to the matter of graphic wording: Don't overdo it. It is only too easy to get so interested in the means ..."

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