Talks with excessive pride about one's achievements or possessions; also to have something to be proud of.
Origin uncertain, possibly from Old Norse 'bás' (to be boastful) or Anglo-Norman 'bost' (boasting). First appeared in English in the 14th century. The meaning has stayed consistent: proud speech.
Boasting is so ancient that Shakespeare filled his plays with boasters, but neuroscience shows boasters actually undermine themselves—people trust them less. Our instinct to brag fights against human psychology.
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