Self-deprecating

Self-deprecating humor or behavior is characterized by belittling or undervaluing oneself, often in a humorous way. It involves making fun of one's own flaws, weaknesses, or shortcomings, usually in an attempt to make others feel more comfortable or to deflect potential criticism. While it can be endearing and build rapport, excessive self-deprecation can be perceived as insecure, attention-seeking, or even harmful to self-esteem. The effectiveness of self-deprecation largely depends on context, delivery, and the perceived sincerity of the individual.

Self-deprecating meaning with examples

• During his stand-up routine, the comedian joked, "I'm so bad at cooking, I once set water on fire. My microwave even judges my ramen." to elicit laughter.
• When complimented on her recent promotion, she replied, "Oh, it's just because nobody else wanted the job, I was the last resort. They really had no choice."
• Introducing himself to the group, Mark said with a grin, "Hi everyone, I'm Mark, the resident klutz. Feel free to move anything breakable out of my reach."
• Responding to the interviewer's question about his strengths, he quipped, "Well, my greatest strength is probably my ability to identify my weaknesses, and there's a lot of them."