Bumptious

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈbʌmpʃəs/

Definitions

1. Aggressively self-assertive or obtrusively self-important in a way that is annoying or offensive to others
2. Being excessively assertive and exhibiting an overbearing sense of self-importance can create discomfort in social interactions
3. A manner characterized by rude self-assertion and an irritating overconfidence often alienates others

Etymology: Bumptious is a fine example of a word whose origin is more a matter of educated guesswork than documentary proof. It is probably formed from "bump" in the sense of a self-assertive display, with the ending "-ious" borrowed by analogy from words like "fractious" and "presumptious", so that the adjective sounds as though it belongs to that same family of pushy, quarrelsome qualities. The "bump" in question is not the familiar lump or collision. The likely link is to an older sense of the verb meaning to make a loud, boastful noise or push oneself forward, which fits the picture of someone who thrusts their opinions into every room. The suffix does most of the characterising work: it turns a rough, physical verb into a description of a personality that is loud, forward and easily offended by any suggestion of being ordinary.

Synonyms: conceited, arrogant, self-important, presumptuous, overbearing

Antonyms: humble, modest, self-effacing, unassuming, subdued