Show Off – Meaning and Examples
Imagine a person who just bought a new phone or won a prize, and now they keep talking about it just to get attention. When someone tries too hard to impress others by displaying their abilities or possessions, we say they show off. This common phrasal verb is useful for describing people who boast or draw attention to themselves.
What Does “Show Off” Mean?
The phrasal verb “show off” means to behave in a way that is intended to attract attention and admiration, often in an annoying or boastful way. While it can sometimes be neutral (like a model showing off clothes), it usually carries a negative feeling, suggesting the person is vain or immature. Think of it like taking the spotlight for too long.
When to Use It
You can use show off to describe people’s behavior in social or competitive settings.
- Skills: A talented student might show off their knowledge in class too often.
- Possessions: Someone might show off their expensive new watch or car.
- Sports: An athlete might show off unnecessary tricks instead of focusing on the game.
This phrase is informal and is often used to express slight disapproval or annoyance.
Example Sentences
- He always shows off his perfect memory by correcting everyone.
- Stop showing off! Just play the game normally.
- The new restaurant shows off its fresh ingredients in the open kitchen. (Neutral use)
- She was accused of showing off after buying a huge diamond ring.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Did you see how Jason kept doing those difficult jumps at the skate park?”
Jamie: “Yes. He loves to show off when there are a lot of people watching.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not confuse the phrasal verb “show off” (to boast) with the verb “show” (to point out or display neutrally).
❌ Don’t: “Can you show off the location of the library on this map?” (This is incorrect. Use “show” or “point out.”)
✅ Do: “He drove his sports car too fast just to show off.” (This means he was trying to impress people.)
Practice Tip
Think of a time when someone was showing off. Write one sentence describing what they did to attract attention.
Final Note
Learning to use show off lets you describe other people’s behavior accurately. Practice using this phrase so you can talk naturally about people trying to impress others!
