brag

Brag is a word that functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, to brag means to talk with excessive pride about oneself, one's abilities, or one's achievements, often in a way intended to impress others. As a noun, a brag is a boastful statement or act.

The word dates to Middle English and has been used for centuries to describe ostentatious self-promotion. Its exact etymology is uncertain, but it is generally linked to older Germanic roots associated with pride or display. The term carries a negative connotation in many social contexts, reflecting disapproval of self-aggrandizement.

In modern usage, bragging can appear in explicit statements—“I just ran a personal best”—or in more subtle forms, such as bragging through reminders of accomplishments. Related expressions include humblebrag, a statement that claims modesty while actually bragging, and braggadocio, a more literary or exaggerated form of boastful swagger. The phrase bragging rights refers to the social prestige earned by a victory or achievement. Cultural norms influence how bragging is received; some environments tolerate or even reward confident self-promotion, while others deem it rude or off-putting.

See also: boast, vaunt, crow, swagger, braggart.