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Why ‘Humblebragging’ Makes People Dislike You, According to Psychology

Stop humblebragging. It’s bad for you. 

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There’s nothing more off-putting than a person bragging about something while simultaneously engaging in self-deprecation, only to appear humble and relatable. Unfortunately, many of us—myself included—engage in this behavior without even realizing it. Also known as “humblebragging,” this action is rarely well-received. In fact, you’d be better off just outright flaunting your success or blessings without the fake humility. 

What Is a Humblebrag?

Coined by comedic writer Harris Wittels, a humblebrag is “a specific type of boast that allows the offender to broadcast their achievements without the necessary shame and guilt that should normally accompany such claims.”

Redditors on this post provided some great examples of humblebrags:

“The wifi here backstage in the green room at the Kanye concert is so shitty! I need a better phone.”

“My life sucks. Had to buy the new Ferrari in blue because red........

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