Showboatiness

Showboatiness refers to the ostentatious display of skill, talent, or wealth, often intended to impress or boast. It involves excessive self-promotion and a tendency to draw attention to oneself, sometimes bordering on arrogance. This behavior can manifest in various forms, from dramatic flourishes in performance to flaunting material possessions. While showboatiness can be entertaining, it often comes across as insincere or even irritating, especially if it overshadows genuine achievement or collaboration. The core of showboatiness lies in prioritizing the perception of others over the quality of work or experience. It's about seeking validation through external displays rather than internal satisfaction.

Showboatiness meaning with examples

• The basketball player's showboatiness, with his elaborate pre-game routines and flamboyant celebrations after every basket, irked his teammates, who valued humility and teamwork. His individual brilliance often overshadowed the team's collective effort, hindering their overall performance and frustrating his colleagues on the court. Despite his skills, it sometimes distracted from the game.
• The showboatiness of the CEO, constantly posting photos of his private jet and luxury vacations, alienated employees and investors alike. Many felt the company's resources would be better used investing in research or compensating workers well, not projecting a luxurious lifestyle. It painted a poor image of financial prudence, which didn't reflect well on the public.
• During the art exhibition, the showboatiness of the artist, who constantly interrupted other viewers to explain the 'deep meaning' of his abstract paintings, quickly became unbearable. His desire to highlight his perceived intellectual superiority, which lacked sincerity. People were there to simply enjoy the art, not listen to the artist.
• The chef's showboatiness in the kitchen, creating overly elaborate and dramatic dishes that prioritized visual spectacle over flavor, disappointed the diners. His focus on presentation rather than taste created an expensive and theatrical experience which failed to be a delicious one. The goal seemed to be to generate excitement, not delicious food.