Humble BragThe humble brag is a mock-modest offhand comment that is apparently meant to be self-deprecating, but is really intended to inspire envy or admiration for the speaker from the feeble also-rans who also happen to inhabit the planet.
A celebrity-worshipping culture which Twitter and Facebook have provided with a megaphone has enabled the humble brag to come into its own as a vehicle for shamefaced self-aggrandizement and demure preening in public.
To give you an idea of the format, at the blog 'Married with Toddlers' I found this convenient set of examples, followed by a remark from the blogger:
Top 10 Parenting Humble Brags:"I'm my 19-month-old won’t stop talking. It is driving me crazy!" [Edited for clarity - Forum Admin.]
"My husband is so thoughtless. He had his secretary buy me an $800 bracelet for Mother's Day."
"I was so sick during my pregnancy. I only was able to gain 10 pounds!"
"Help! My 18-month-old insists on pooping in the potty, and I’m not ready to potty-train!"
"Two children, best-selling author, thriving career, how do I balance it all?"
"I am so tired of being asked if I am my childrens' nanny. I can't help that I look so young."
"My 2-month-old already sleeps through the night. Should I be waking her to nurse?"
"Whenever I take my child anywhere, strangers always stop us to admire her. I can’t even go grocery shopping in peace!"
"How do I support my best friend who’s toddler is developmentally delayed, when my own is so advanced?"
"My husband is really annoying me. He wants to be so involved in the child rearing.”
To all of the above, I just want to say "I completely know how you feel. It is so difficult raising gifted children."
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