Some people just can’t help but toot their own horn at every available opportunity.
They’re the ones who always seem to be bragging about their accomplishments, their possessions, or their perfect lives. But here’s the thing: sometimes, those brags are disguised as innocent phrases that seem harmless on the surface. If you’re tired of being on the receiving end of these humble-brags, here are 15 phrases to watch out for and how to call them out.
1. “I’m so tired from my workout this morning.”
Source: Unsplash Translation: “I’m more disciplined and fit than you.” This phrase is a classic example of a disguised brag. The speaker is trying to showcase their dedication to fitness and make you feel guilty for sleeping in. To call it out, you could say something like, “That’s great that you’re so committed to your health. I prefer to listen to my body and rest when I need to.”
2. “I can’t believe I got an A on that test without even studying.”
Source: Unsplash Translation: “I’m so smart, I don’t even have to try.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s intelligence while pretending to be surprised by their own success. To call it out, you could say something like, “Wow, you must have a really good grasp on the material. I find that I do better when I put in the effort to study.”
3. “I’m so busy with all my projects and social engagements.”
Translation: “I’m more important and in-demand than you.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s busy and fulfilling life while making people feel inferior. To call it out, you could say something like, “It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. I try to prioritise my commitments and make time for the things that matter most to me.”
4. “I can’t believe I fit into my old jeans from uni.”
Translation: “I’m thinner and more attractive than you.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s weight loss or body shape while pretending to be surprised by it. To call it out, you could say something like, “That’s great that you’re feeling good about your body. I try not to focus too much on clothing sizes and instead prioritise my overall health and happiness.”
5. “I’m so jet-lagged from my trip to [insert exotic location].”
Source: Unsplash Translation: “I’m more well-travelled and cultured than you.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s affluence and worldliness while pretending to complain about a minor inconvenience. To call it out, you could say something like, “It sounds like you had an amazing trip. I love exploring new places too, even if it’s just a weekend away somewhere nearby.”
6. “I can’t believe how many likes my latest post got.”
Source: Pexels Translation: “I’m more popular and influential than you.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s social media clout while pretending to be surprised by it. To call it out, you could say something like, “It’s great that your content is resonating with people. I try not to get too caught up in likes and followers, and instead focus on creating things that I’m proud of.”
7. “I’m so exhausted from all my charity work.”
Source: Unsplash Translation: “I’m more selfless and virtuous than you.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s good deeds while pretending to be worn out by them. To call it out, you could say something like, “It’s admirable that you’re so dedicated to giving back. I try to find ways to make a difference too, even if it’s just small acts of kindness in my daily life.”
8. “I can’t believe how easy that workout was for me.”
Source: Unsplash Translation: “I’m fitter and stronger than you.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s athletic prowess while pretending to be surprised by it. To call it out, you could say something like, “That’s great that you’re challenging yourself and seeing progress. I’m on my own fitness journey, and I try not to compare myself to other people.”
9. “I’m so bad at [insert skill], I only [insert impressive accomplishment].”
Source: Unsplash Translation: “I’m better at this than you, even when I’m not trying.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s talents while pretending to be self-deprecating. To call it out, you could say something like, “It sounds like you have a real knack for that. I admire people who are willing to put themselves out there and try new things, even if they’re not perfect at it.”
10. “I can’t believe I got recruited by [insert prestigious company].”
Translation: “I’m more successful and in-demand than you.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s career prospects while pretending to be surprised by them. To call it out, you could say something like, “Congratulations, that’s a great opportunity. I’m excited to see where my own career path takes me, even if it’s not the most traditional route.”
11. “I’m so stressed from all my high-profile projects.”
Source: Unsplash Translation: “I’m more important and influential than you.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s professional responsibilities while pretending to be overwhelmed by them. To call it out, you could say something like, “It sounds like you have a lot on your shoulders. I try to focus on doing my best work, no matter how high-profile the project is.”
12. “I can’t believe I got upgraded to first class again.”
Translation: “I’m more affluent and privileged than you.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s luxurious lifestyle while pretending to be surprised by it. To call it out, you could say something like, “That’s a nice perk. I’m just happy to be able to travel and see new places, regardless of where I sit on the plane.”
13. “I’m so out of practice, I only ran 10 miles this morning.”
Translation: “I’m more athletic and disciplined than you.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s fitness level while pretending to be self-critical. To call it out, you could say something like, “Ten miles is really impressive, even if it’s not your personal best. I’m working on building up my own endurance, one step at a time.”
14. “I can’t believe I have to go to another gala this weekend.”
Translation: “I’m more socially connected and in-demand than you.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s busy social calendar while pretending to be put out by it. To call it out, you could say something like, “It sounds like you have a lot of exciting events coming up. I prefer a mix of socialising and downtime, so I try not to overcommit myself.”
15. “I’m so sleep-deprived from staying up late working on my side hustle.”
Translation: “I’m more ambitious and entrepreneurial than you.” This phrase is a way of bragging about one’s work ethic while pretending to be exhausted by it. To call it out, you could say something like, “It’s great that you’re so passionate about your side hustle. I’m focusing on finding a balance between my professional goals and my personal well-being.”
