Flexing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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flexing
[ˈflɛksɪŋ ]
Definition
in the gym
To flex is to tighten a muscle, especially to show off. People who are proud of their muscles might flex them to draw attention. Flexing is also a way to show off wealth or power. In slang, flexing can also mean showing off in general, like talking about how great your life is. The opposite of flexing is being humble.
Synonyms
boasting, bragging, flaunting, parading, showing off.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| flexing |
Commonly used in casual or slang contexts, especially among younger generations to describe someone who is showing off their achievements, possessions, or abilities in an exaggerated manner.
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| showing off |
General term used in both formal and informal settings to indicate someone exhibiting something with the intent of impressing others. Can easily carry a negative connotation.
|
| boasting |
Used in both formal and informal settings. Implies talking with excessive pride about oneself, often irritating to others.
|
| bragging |
Similar to 'boasting' but slightly more informal. Generally used to describe someone talking proudly about themselves, typically with an annoying undertone.
|
| flaunting |
Used when someone is showing something off in a very obvious and often provocative way. Often carries a negative connotation of being showy or ostentatious.
|
| parading |
Typically used to describe someone displaying something to the public in a way that is meant to attract attention. Can have a neutral or negative connotation depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- He's always flexing in the gym, trying to impress everyone.
- She's constantly flexing her designer clothes on social media.
- Stop flexing your new car, we get it, you're rich.
- Don't need to flex all the time, people will see your true character eventually.
- I'm tired of him flexing about his accomplishments, it's getting old.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Flexing is commonly seen in contemporary hip-hop and social media, where artists showcase luxury and success.
- The phrase 'flex on' became popular among youth, emphasizing the act of outshining others.
- In gym culture, flexing poses are often part of competitions to demonstrate physical aesthetics.
Psychology
- Flexing can be a form of self-affirmation, helping individuals feel more confident about their achievements.
- Social media 'flexing' may influence how people perceive their self-worth based on external validation.
- Bragging, or flexing, is sometimes seen as a method of establishing social status within peer groups.
Sports
- In physical training, flexing is not just about appearance; it's about showcasing muscle engagement during workouts.
- Athletes often use flexing to intimidate opponents, demonstrating physical prowess in competition.
- Bodybuilders practice flexing to enhance muscle definition and performance in contests.
Social Dynamics
- Flexing can lead to competitive behavior, where individuals seek to outdo each other in showcasing success.
- Cultural differences can impact what is considered acceptable or excessive flexing in social contexts.
- Among friends, healthy flexing can be a way to inspire and motivate one another towards achievement.
Origin of 'flexing'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'flectere', meaning 'to bend'.
- In the mid-20th century, 'flexing' began to be associated with displaying physical strength.
- The colloquial use of 'flex' to mean bragging about personal possessions grew popular in the 2000s.
The word 'flexing' originally comes from the Latin word 'flexus', meaning 'bent'. Over time, it evolved to mean showing off one's muscles or strength. In modern slang, flexing has expanded to include showing off wealth, achievements, or anything someone is proud of. It has become a common term in social media and pop culture to describe someone bragging or flaunting their status or possessions.
See also: flex, flexibility, flexible, flexibly, flexibound, flexure, inflexibility, inflexible.