Boastful
/ˈboʊst.fəl/noun
Given to boasting; excessively proud or self-promoting.
Did you know?Boastful comes from Old English bōast, tied to public bragging and loud self-display, a reminder that words for ego have been shaping social power for over a thousand years.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*bōst-
“A boast, brag, or proud display.”
Old English
OE
bōast
“Boasting, bragging, or proud speech.”
Middle English
ME
boasten
“To brag or speak with excessive pride.”
14th Century
English
boastful
“Full of boasting; inclined to brag.”
Modern English
English
boastful
“Given to boasting; excessively proud or self-promoting.”
Explore more surprising origins