Braggart vs. Bragger — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Braggart" and "bragger" both refer to someone who boasts about themselves, but "braggart" is a formal noun with a slightly pejorative tone, while "bragger" is more commonly used in casual speech.
Difference Between Braggart and Bragger
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Key Differences
Braggart is a noun describing a person who boasts about achievements or possessions with excessive pride, often used in a literary or formal context. Whereas bragger is the more colloquial term used to describe similar behavior in everyday conversations.
Braggart carries a slightly more negative connotation, implying not just boasting but a boastful personality as an enduring trait. On the other hand, bragger might be used to describe actions or behavior specific to a situation rather than a person’s overall character.
Literary works and more formal discourse might prefer the term braggart for its classical roots and stronger connotation. While bragger is often heard in informal dialogue and descriptions, reflecting spontaneous and less structured speech.
Braggart might also imply a degree of arrogance and detachment from reality, suggesting someone who often exaggerates truths. Conversely, bragger can be used for someone who frequently boasts but might still stay within the bounds of truth.
While braggart is a term that fits well in character analysis or psychological descriptions, bragger is typically used in casual critiques or everyday observations of behavior.
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Comparison Chart
Tone
Formal, pejorative
Informal, neutral
Usage
Literary, formal discourse
Common, everyday speech
Connotation
Strongly negative
Mildly negative or neutral
Implication
Personality trait
Specific behavior
Contextual Fit
Character analysis, literature
Casual conversation, informal descriptions
Compare with Definitions
Braggart
Often used in a disapproving manner.
The braggart could not stop talking about his latest expensive purchase.
Bragger
Someone who boasts about achievements or possessions.
She became an annoying bragger when she won the award.
Braggart
Used more in literary contexts.
Shakespeare often included a braggart in his plays to add humor.
Bragger
Often heard in everyday language.
She's known as the office bragger with her constant talk about weekend adventures.
Braggart
A person who boasts about themselves with excessive pride.
The novel's villain was a classic braggart, always boasting about his riches.
Bragger
Commonly used to describe someone in a specific instance of boasting.
He's usually humble, but yesterday he was a real bragger.
Braggart
Someone known for arrogant and exaggerated claims.
Everyone avoided the braggart at parties because of his endless self-praise.
Bragger
Can imply a less negative trait, more focused on actions than character.
After the promotion, he turned into quite the bragger.
Braggart
Characterized by boastful behavior as a permanent trait.
He is known in the office as the braggart who claims all credits.
Bragger
Less formal and more likely used among peers.
My brother is such a bragger when it comes to video games.
Braggart
A person who boasts about their achievements or possessions
Braggart men
Bragger
To talk or write about oneself in a proud or self-impressed way.
Braggart
One given to loud, empty boasting; a bragger.
Bragger
A person who brags.
Braggart
Boastful.
Bragger
One who brags; a boaster.
Braggart
Someone who constantly brags or boasts.
Bragger
A very boastful and talkative person
Braggart
Characterized by boasting; boastful.
Braggart
A boaster.
O, I could play the woman with mine eyes, And braggart with my tongue.
Braggart
Boastful.
Braggart
A very boastful and talkative person
Braggart
Exhibiting self-importance;
Big talk
Common Curiosities
Is it negative to call someone a braggart?
Yes, calling someone a braggart usually has a negative connotation, suggesting disapproval of their boastful nature.
Can a bragger be seen positively?
While typically negative, in some contexts, being a bragger might simply highlight someone's pride in their accomplishments without the strong negative traits of a braggart.
Can someone be a braggart in a positive way?
Typically, being a braggart is viewed negatively, but someone might boast in a playful or socially accepted manner, depending on the context.
What is the origin of the word 'braggart'?
The word 'braggart' comes from the French word 'bragard', which implies boasting and was adapted into English with a similar meaning.
What does it mean to be a braggart?
Being a braggart means having a habit or a trait of boasting excessively, often without regard to others' feelings.
How does a bragger differ from a braggart?
A bragger refers to someone who boasts, often contextually, whereas a braggart implies a more ingrained personality trait of boastfulness.
How can one stop being a braggart or bragger?
To stop being a braggart or bragger, one needs to become more aware of how their words affect others and strive for humility.
Are there any famous literary braggarts?
Yes, literary braggarts include characters like Falstaff in Shakespeare's plays, known for their boastful and exaggerated behavior.
What is a synonym for braggart and bragger?
Synonyms include boaster, blowhard, and show-off, although these can vary slightly in connotation.
How do you deal with a braggart or bragger in social settings?
Dealing with a braggart or bragger involves diplomacy; acknowledging their achievements while gently shifting the conversation away from continuous self-praise.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
