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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.
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*
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*
paradoxical subtlety by supernintendo_chalmers February 22, 2006
Related Words
Subtlechaos
Chaos that is Subtle, it's also a widely used nickname for people who can't play and are chaotic in their minds.
Subtlechaos by ƒish September 25, 2005
subtlebrag
(verb) The act of weaving a bragging statement about something subtly into an image or statement (such as on a social media post) that doesn’t explicitly make a statement about the thing you’re bragging about or is completely unrelated, but it was very purposefully inserted. The content of the subtlebrag is often the real intent of the image/statement, with the image/statement possibly even being made in the first place as a way to brag about the thing while trying to make it seem innocuously about something else. Most commonly used as a way to brag about lifestyle choices and/or milestones such as being engaged, without the explicit attention-seeking nature that everyone now recognizes in humblebrags.
(noun) The statement/image/social media post created when one engages in the act of subtlebragging.
(adj.) A modifier of another term that indicates that the word has been deemed a subtlebrag (usually used in the form subtlebragg-y)
(noun) The statement/image/social media post created when one engages in the act of subtlebragging.
(adj.) A modifier of another term that indicates that the word has been deemed a subtlebrag (usually used in the form subtlebragg-y)
(verb) Ever since her wedding three years ago, Tiffany has been craving the attention and volume of "likes" she once got about her special day, and has used every birthday and holiday as an excuse to subtlebrag about it on social media.
(noun) On Earth Day, Tiffany executed a flawless subtlebrag when she posted a picture of her outdoor wedding with the caption "I love the Earth, but especially this beautiful little piece of it that shared the happiest day of my life with my DH and me."
(adj) "Did you see that subtlebraggy pic Tiffany instagrammed of her hands clutching a Starbucks cup? Beezy knows that Starbucks + nail polish pics are so 2013, she just wants a way to work a picture of her ring into as many social media posts as possible."
(noun) On Earth Day, Tiffany executed a flawless subtlebrag when she posted a picture of her outdoor wedding with the caption "I love the Earth, but especially this beautiful little piece of it that shared the happiest day of my life with my DH and me."
(adj) "Did you see that subtlebraggy pic Tiffany instagrammed of her hands clutching a Starbucks cup? Beezy knows that Starbucks + nail polish pics are so 2013, she just wants a way to work a picture of her ring into as many social media posts as possible."
subtlebrag by littleface May 15, 2015
subtlety
subtlety by MC WIZARDRY July 27, 2010
subtleteas
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
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