Peacocking

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈpikɑkɪŋ/

Definitions

1. Displaying oneself conspicuously or flamboyantly to gain attention or admiration
2. Making a striking or ostentatious display in order to impress others
3. Engaging in behavior meant to attract notice and create a favorable impression

Etymology: "Peacocking" is simply "peacock" with the suffix "-ing" added, turning the bird's name into a verb for the act of strutting about to draw admiration. The bird itself has given English its name for vanity for centuries: a peacock spreads its tail in display, and people who do the same with their clothes, achievements or talk are said to be peacocking. The verb form is the present participle or gerund of "peacock", so it describes the ongoing action rather than a separate word with its own history. The base word traces back through Middle English "pecock" to Old English "pēa", an echo of the bird's cry, with "cock" added to mean a male bird. The suffix "-ing" carries no meaning beyond marking the action, so the whole word's sense rests on the bird's famous display.

Synonyms: showing off, displaying, flaunting, exhibiting, strutting

Antonyms: hiding, concealing, minimizing, suppressing, diminishing