What does boaster mean?
A boaster is a person who habitually speaks about their own achievements, abilities, or possessions in an exaggerated or self-congratulatory manner. The word derives from the verb 'boast,' which entered English from Anglo-Norman and Old French, and it functions as the standard noun form for someone given to boasting. In tone, 'boaster' is disapproving: it suggests not merely pride but a tiresome, inflated self-presentation that others find irritating or implausible. It appears most often in descriptions of character — 'he was a notorious boaster' — and pairs naturally with adjectives like 'shameless,' 'habitual,' or 'notorious.' While closely related words such as 'braggart,' 'bragger,' and 'show-off' convey similar meanings, each carries its own shade: 'braggart' implies loud, empty swagger, while 'boaster' emphasizes the act of talking oneself up. The word remains current in both British and American English and is useful whenever precise, mildly formal criticism of self-promotion is needed.
nounA person who boasts; someone who talks about their own abilities, achievements, or possessions in an exaggerated or self-important way.
- A person who habitually talks about their own achievements or possessions in an exaggerated, self-satisfied way.
"He was such a boaster that no one at the club believed a word of his fishing stories."
"A lifelong boaster, he claimed to have dined with half the celebrities of the age."
"Among friends she was known as a harmless boaster whose tall tales were taken in good humor."
Standard plural; used when referring to multiple people given to boasting.
"Taverns in the port were full of boasters trading impossible tales."
The boastful 'boaster' and the encouraging 'booster' differ by just one letter — one inflates himself, the other lifts everyone else.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of boaster
Boaster is formed from the verb 'boast' plus the agentive suffix '-er,' meaning 'one who boasts.' The verb 'boast' came into Middle English from Anglo-Norman and Old French (cf. Old French 'boster'), though its ultimate Germanic origins are uncertain. It has been in use since at least the late medieval period, and cognate forms of 'boast' appear across English dialects and related languages.
Related word forms
How boaster is actually used
Carries a clearly negative connotation of vanity and exaggeration, though it can be softened by context (e.g., 'a harmless boaster'). Slightly more formal than 'bragger' or 'show-off'; the informal American term 'blowhard' is a rough equivalent.
Easily confused with boaster
A booster is something that increases power, enthusiasm, or support (or a devoted fan), whereas a boaster is a person who brags about themselves.