Human Peacocking's definitions

Virtue brag

Bragging that one voluntarily exercises self restraint in the face of temptation, or takes less than one can out of moral purity or other lofty sensibilities

Tom is virtue bragging about how he paid more for his new yacht because it has more efficient fuel use and doesn't pollute the environment as much.

by Human Peacocking June 6, 2023

Trauma Brag

To brag, highlight, or bring attention to hardship that one has experienced. Examples include highlighting one's experience of poverty, illness, abuse, or adversity

These types of brags get attention for higher status signalers and dismissal for low status ones

There's the head of that bank trauma bragging about his illness in order to get more clout in the newspaper headlines

by Human Peacocking June 10, 2023

First Rule of Peacocking

The first rule of peacocking is : don't tell the audience what it already knows.

This 'rule' refers to a maxim in social science literature that a person/thing trying to show status should not be repetitive / redundant and give the audience what they already know would happen.

John just violated the First Rule of Peacocking when giving his acceptance speech! he acted like no one knew why they were all there when he told them again about his achievements.

by Human Peacocking June 11, 2023

Vulnerability Brag

Purposefully highlighting your sensitivity, pain, fears, or weaknesses to a public audience.

There goes another CEO using a vulnerability brag by crying on social media

by Human Peacocking July 16, 2024

Status blowback

The negative reaction by an audience to someone who displays or experiences higher status, often as a result of resentment, envy, or jealousy at the person's status.

I don't want to wear my expensive watch to meet that group because of the potential status blowback.

by Human Peacocking April 25, 2024

Neuro-Bullshit

Neurological terms, photos of brains, or other brain scientific imagery, language, or concepts used to persuade an audience of people who are not neuroscientists.

The guy made a claim we were supposed to believe and then to convince us he just started spouting a lot of neuro-bullshit about the brain.

by Human Peacocking May 30, 2024

Autism Bragging

Conspicuously highlighting 'neurodivergency' or autism or 'being on the spectrum' to an audience for personal gain.

Often used by those who are high in status and want to contrast their success with some form of hardship in order to get more credit or acclaim, or to appear as some sort of savant not affected by crass social movements, social contagion, or faddish popular opinions

There is Bob autism bragging again to investors to try to get more money for his hedge fund.

by Human Peacocking February 25, 2024