flaunt

What it means

Flaunt means to display something proudly and conspicuously, often in a way meant to impress or provoke envy. It is typically used about wealth, success, looks, or possessions, and can carry a slightly negative tone of boasting. It is standard English but very common in casual speech and social media culture.

Examples

• He loves to flaunt his new sports car around the neighborhood.
• She wasn't afraid to flaunt her engagement ring at the party.
• If you've got it, flaunt it.
• They flaunted their vacation photos all over Instagram.

Where it comes from

An English verb of uncertain origin, recorded since the 16th century with the sense of waving or displaying showily, possibly linked to Scandinavian roots meaning 'to flutter' or 'to wander gaudily'.

Related slang