self-deprecating
self-DEP-ruh-kay-ting
/ˌselfˈdep.rə.keɪ.tɪŋ/
Modest or critical about oneself, often in a humorous, witty, or charming way.
Uses light humor directed at one's own flaws to disarm others, put people at ease, or avoid appearing arrogant.
The story behind the word. Latin 'deprecari' combined 'de-' (away) and 'precari' (to pray), originally meaning 'to pray that something bad be turned away'. By the 19th century, 'deprecate' came to mean expressing disapproval. When joined with 'self', it created a term for turning mild disapproval upon oneself.
Word relationships
- self-effacing: Self-effacing keeps oneself in the background, while self-deprecating active uses humor targeted at oneself.
- humble: Humble is a quiet trait of character, whereas self-deprecating is often a conscious conversational strategy.
- boastful: Boastful means talking proudly about oneself.
- self-congratulatory: Self-congratulatory means praising oneself publicly.
Commonly confused with
- self-depreciating: 'Self-deprecating' is preferred in modern usage; 'depreciating' traditionally refers to lowering monetary value.
Word family
- self-deprecation (noun): The act of reprimanding or undervaluing oneself humorously.
- self-deprecatingly (adverb): In a self-deprecating manner.
Collocations
- self-deprecating humor
- self-deprecating wit
- self-deprecating remark
- self-deprecating laugh
Example sentences
- "The speaker won over the skeptical audience immediately with a self-deprecating joke about his early career failures." Public speaking review
- "British humor is famous for its self-deprecating style, where comedians routinely mock their own shortcomings." Comedic analysis
Memory hook
SELF-DEPRECATING = DECREASING your own value with humorous jokes. Laugh at yourself before others do.
When not to use
Do not use when describing genuine, painful self-hatred or clinical depression.
Fun facts
- Sociological research shows that leaders who use self-deprecating humor are rated as significantly more trustworthy and approachable by subordinates!
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.