boaster

Everyday

A person who boasts: someone who talks too proudly about what they have or can do, often making it bigger than it really is. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and lessons on hyperbole, a boaster exaggerates to look important, and the story often shows him being caught out, as in fables. Related: «boast», «boastful», «show-off», «big-head» (UK informal), «bragger».

Examples

• Nobody believed the boaster who said he could run faster than a car. tree →
• Toad was a terrible boaster in «The Wind in the Willows». tree →
• Don't be a boaster — let your work speak for itself. tree →
• The boaster said he had a hundred pets, but he only had a goldfish. tree →
• In the fable, the boaster bragged about jumping far, and the town asked him to show them. tree →
• A boaster often uses words like «the best ever» and «millions». tree →
• My cousin is a bit of a boaster about his football goals. tree →
• The loud-mouthed boaster does not impress nor frighten those who know him. tree →

Note

Countable; plural «boasters». Verb «boast (boasts, boasted)», adjective «boastful». More common words: «show-off», «bragger». A boaster's numbers are often exaggerated, so in a problem do not trust them as exact.

In Jewish tradition

A proud person who trusts in himself instead of God. The Psalms and Jeremiah say God will not accept or save such people.

Interpretation. Seen as a person who forgets that all strength comes from God, so pride is called a sin.

Examples

• The boasters shall not stand in Thy sight; Thou hatest all workers of iniquity. (Writings PSA.5.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• A sword is upon the boasters, and they shall become fools; a sword is upon her mighty men, and they shall be dismayed. (Prophets JER.50.36, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable; plural «boasters». Verb «boast (boasts, boasted)», adjective «boastful». More common words: «show-off», «bragger». A boaster's numbers are often exaggerated, so in a problem do not trust them as exact.