flaunt

Imagine a peacock spreading its bright tail for everyone to see. To flaunt something means to show it off on purpose, often to impress other people. It is not just about having something nice; it is about making sure others notice it. Someone might do this with a new outfit, a special skill, money, beauty, or success. The word often suggests that the person is being too proud or trying too hard to get attention. A little pride can seem natural, but this kind of showy display can easily annoy people or seem insensitive.

To flaunt means to display something openly and deliberately, usually to attract attention, impress other people, or make others notice what you have. It is more than simply owning something attractive or valuable. The idea is that the person makes a point of putting it on display. You can picture a celebrity showing off wealth through expensive purchases, or someone drawing attention to their knowledge during a conversation. In both cases, the person is not just having these things; they are making sure other people see them.

The word often has a negative tone. It suggests that the display is excessive, arrogant, or in poor taste. Being proud of your achievements is not always a problem, but if you flaunt them, it can sound as if you are being boastful or careless about how other people feel. You might say that someone flaunted their success, their looks, their designer clothes, or their connections.

It is also important not to confuse "flaunt" with its sound-alike "flout." "Flout" means to openly ignore or mock a rule, law, or custom. "Flaunt," by contrast, is about showy display. It is commonly used for both physical things, such as jewelry, clothes, or wealth, and less physical things, such as beauty, talent, influence, or intelligence.

So while there is nothing wrong with being proud of what you have or what you can do, this word usually suggests a display that is a bit too obvious, too proud, or too attention-seeking.