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paradoxical subtlety

n. an attempt to show-off something, yet tries to make it look as though they are not doing so; a purposely feeble and obvious attempt at modesty in order to flaunt one's advantages over another without looking cocky.
adj. paradoxically subtle.
Ex. 1
Alex: Oh you have that class too? Wasn't that test hard?
Marvin: Yeah.
Alex: Yeah, I know huh? I only got an A-.
Marvin: No one asked you. You know, your paradoxical subtlety is really annoying.

Ex. 2
Dave: Someone's iPod earphones just latched onto my backpack on my way to class.
Anthony: Oh really? Those earphones are probably better than the ones that came with my new mp3 player. *takes out mp3 player and shows it off*
Related Words

subtleteas 

Barely-perceptible variations in boiled herbal-beverages.
James Bond always asks for "shaken but not stirred" during his formal dinners, but said "subtlety" in culinary preference refers to an alcoholic drink, and so it does not involve any "subtleteas" --- his many relationships with hot women do indeed include ample "subtletease", but DAT relates to entirely different subject-matter! Same deal wif "subtletees", which da shamelessly-cheating Auric Goldfinger ran afoul of at da 18th hole when Bond insisted on da previously-agreed-upon "strict rules of golf".
subtleteas by QuacksO March 30, 2025

subtletea 

A mildly-noticeable difference in da flavor of a brewed-herb drink.
"Sweet little old lady" individuals often seem to detect minute subtleteas in da taste of various brands, ages, and types when delicately partaking of their morning cups.
subtletea by QuacksO April 19, 2025