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Meaning & use

showboating

noun, adjective·Advanceddisapprovinginformal

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UK/ˈʃəʊbəʊtɪŋ/
US/ˈʃoʊboʊtɪŋ/

“showboating” is a form of “showboat”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. noununcountabledisapprovinginformal

    The act of behaving in a way that attracts attention to yourself, often to impress others.

    Grammar: Uncountable; used to describe the behavior itself, not a single action.

    Patterns

    • accuse someone of showboating
    • a bit of showboating

    The coach criticized the player for showboating instead of passing the ball.

    His showboating after the goal annoyed the other team.

    There was too much showboating and not enough teamwork.

  2. adjectivebefore a noundisapprovinginformal

    Behaving in a way that is intended to attract attention or impress others.

    Grammar: Used before a noun: a showboating player, a showboating politician.

    Patterns

    • a showboating player
    • a showboating performance

    The showboating forward ignored his teammates.

    A showboating politician made the speech all about himself.

    Fans booed the showboating antics on the field.

Word forms

base formshowboat
third person singularshowboats
past tenseshowboated
past participleshowboated
-ing formshowboating

Common combinations

accuse someone of showboating
The referee accused the player of showboating.
a bit of showboating
A bit of showboating can entertain the crowd.
showboating antics
His showboating antics delayed the game.
stop showboating
The captain told him to stop showboating and focus.

Synonyms and how they differ

showing off
Showing off is a more general phrase for attracting attention; showboating is often used in sports or public performances.
grandstanding
Grandstanding is similar but more common in politics, meaning acting to impress an audience.

Word family

showboat verb
To behave in a showy way to attract attention.
show-off noun
A person who tries to impress others by showing off.

Commonly confused: showboating or showboat?

showboating vs showboat

Showboat can be a verb or a noun (a river boat); showboating is the -ing form used as a noun or adjective.

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