småtkäftig

Småtkäftig is a Swedish adjective that describes someone who is prone to making boastful, exaggerated, or overly confident claims, often about their own abilities or achievements. It can also refer to someone who is overly talkative or bragging, particularly in a way that is perceived as annoying or insincere. The term carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of genuine substance behind the words.

The word itself is a compound of "små" (small) and "käften" (mouth, often used colloquially for a talkative mouth or maw). Therefore, a literal translation might suggest someone with a "small mouth" but in its idiomatic usage, it refers to the tendency to talk a lot, often with little justification. It is distinct from simply being talkative; the emphasis is on the boastful or exaggerated nature of the speech.

Someone described as småtkäftig might make grand pronouncements about future successes, inflate their past accomplishments, or display an unwarranted sense of self-importance. The behavior is often seen as a defense mechanism or an attempt to gain attention, but it rarely impresses and can lead to a loss of credibility. It is a common term used in informal Swedish conversation to criticize someone's arrogance or excessive self-promotion.