self-deprecating
Humbly putting oneself down
Self-deprecating describes humor or remarks that belittle oneself, often to appear modest or put others at ease: His self-deprecating jokes about his cooking made everyone laugh.
The style can be genuinely humble or strategically disarming—a way to criticize yourself before others can.
Sometimes spelled self-depreciating, though purists object.
Not making claims
- modestLacking in pretension
- unpretentiousLacking false superiority
- understatedDeliberately minimized in expression
- humbleUnassuming about oneself
meek · demure · reserved · diffident · retiring · low-key · bashful · timid
Expressionless, especially for humor
- dry witUnderstated, ironic humor
- ironyMeaning opposite to words
- sarcasmIrony used to mock
- wryDryly mocking in tone
droll · punchline · jokes · comedian · stand-up · roast · quip · banter
Uncertainty about oneself
- imposter syndromeBelief you're secretly unqualified
- inadequacyState of being insufficient
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- perfectionismCompulsive pursuit of flawlessness
vulnerability · deflection · defense mechanism · coping · approval-seeking · people-pleasing · inferiority complex · overthinking
unassuming
Not making claims
- modestLacking in pretension
- unpretentiousLacking false superiority
- understatedDeliberately minimized in expression
humble · meek · demure · reserved · diffident · retiring · low-key · bashful · timid · reticent
deadpan
Expressionless, especially for humor
wry · droll · punchline · jokes · comedian · stand-up · roast · quip · banter · jest
insecurity
Uncertainty about oneself
- imposter syndromeBelief you're secretly unqualified
- inadequacyState of being insufficient
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
perfectionism · vulnerability · deflection · defense mechanism · coping · approval-seeking · people-pleasing · inferiority complex · overthinking · inner critic
self-deprecatingboastful
Given to self-praise
bragging · self-aggrandizing · vainglorious · arrogant · egotistical
self-deprecatingself-glorifying
Excessively praising oneself
narcissistic · self-important · self-satisfied · smug · complacent
self-deprecatingself-assured
Trusting in oneself
confident · unapologetic · assertive · self-confident · brash
self, depreciate, deprecate, depreciation, self-effacing, deprecatory, deprecating, deprecation, deprecative