A statement of arrogance and self-importance deliberately disguised as a
humble, offhand observation. Usually delivered as the capstone line in a dialog peppered with other faux-
humble socially-enhancing references intended to make you think the speaker is both cool AND
humble. Attempts to accomplish with faux-humility what the Internet tough
guy attempts to accomplish with
raw force.
Hearing this line spoken in earnest is a clear indication you're probably dealing with a yuppie or hipster douchebag, as anybody who's actually a "big deal" lets their actions speak for themselves and doesn't need to mention it to strangers, even jokingly.
Since the original meaning has now been clearly identified as being douchey in the extreme, many
people now use the phrase as a witty, ironic form of self-deprecation. The line between the two remains very grey and contextual, however; just because somebody's aiming for a humorous reaction doesn't
mean they're not actually serious.
"So
Bob, what do you do for work?"
"Oh, not much. I just do corporate law for Fnortner and
Finch...gave me a corner office and a Jaguar last year. Got to meet Jude Law last week. Eh, I'm kind of a big deal over there, you know?"
"Oh wow! You're such a cool and
humble dude!"
"Yeah, I know, right?"
