chest-puffing

Showy dominance display

Chest-puffing is a display of self-importance or aggressive posturing, like a bird inflating its plumage to appear larger.

The term describes behavior meant to intimidate or impress rather than back up with action: There was a lot of chest-puffing at the meeting, but nobody actually volunteered.

Often suggests the display is hollow or performative.

pride

boastful

Given to self-praise

swaggerConfident, boastful manner
preeningGrooming with vanity
self-importantExaggerating one's own significance

vain · pompous · conceited · arrogant · strutting · bragging · showing off · egotistical · smug · self-congratulatory

dominance

intimidation

Deliberate fear-inducing pressure

territorialDefensive about owned space
aggressiveHostile and confrontational
confrontationalInclined toward hostile encounters

alpha · assertive · bullying · machismo · posturing · threatening · challenge · rivalry · standoff · showdown

animal

display

Presentation for viewing

courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
matingReproductive pairing behavior
plumageBird's complete feather coat

feathers · pigeon · grouse · pouch · territorial · breeding · ritual · inflated · roosting · male

chest-puffing

boastful

intimidation

display

chest-puffing

Opposites

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