gloating about

USAGE SUMMARY

"gloating about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is showing or expressing too much pride in their achievements, triumphs, or possessions. For example: "He was gloating about his new car and wouldn't stop bragging to everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What better way to spend the night and to end up with something truly worth gloating about later.

The New York Times

It's a rejection of all of teen-pop's brightness, except in the chipperness of the chorus, which basically amounts to Ms. Cyrus's gloating about misbehaving.

The New York Times - Arts

Jajah issued a press release that same day (Oct . 1 gloating about how well its service worked with eBay listings.

Forbes

That's not necessarily something to be gloating about," said Paul Mitchell, one of the state's leading experts on political data.

Los Angeles Times

"We're not gloating about it".

The New York Times - Sports

Obama is not gloating about this.

The Guardian

Donahoe is not gloating about predictions.

The New York Times - Sports

Particularly since Mitch McConnell keeps gloating about it.

The New York Times

Gomez would not spend a second gloating about Brodeur's mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And is this something we should gloat about?

The New York Times

Just a home run that the Staten Island Scot never gloated about, never used to embarrass Branca.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To soften the impact of "gloating about", focus on the effort and process rather than solely the outcome. Acknowledge challenges overcome to showcase resilience and dedication, making your message more relatable and less boastful.

Common error

Avoid using "gloating about" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral or positive language such as "highlighting the benefits" or "emphasizing the success" to maintain a credible and respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gloating about" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase to describe the manner in which someone is expressing satisfaction or triumph. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes showing excessive pride. Examples illustrate use in various news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gloating about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's primarily found in News & Media, indicating its role in describing real-world behaviors. While grammatically correct, it carries a negative connotation, suggesting inappropriate or excessive pride. When writing, consider the audience and context to determine if a more neutral alternative, such as "taking pride in", would be more suitable. The phrase serves to express disapproval of boastful behavior, making it a useful tool for conveying opinions and judgments. However, its use should be carefully considered to avoid unintended offense or misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reveling in

Implies a more celebratory and joyful expression of satisfaction.

bragging about

Suggests a more direct and often boastful way of talking about one's achievements.

boasting about

Similar to "bragging about" but can carry a stronger connotation of arrogance.

crowing over

Implies a loud and triumphant expression of victory, often seen as somewhat obnoxious.

smug about

Highlights a self-satisfied and often irritating attitude.

triumphant about

Emphasizes the feeling of victory and success, often without the negative connotation of "gloating".

exulting in

Indicates a feeling of great happiness and jubilation.

taking pride in

Focuses on the positive emotion of being proud, without necessarily implying excessive boasting.

rejoicing in

Suggests a shared or communal sense of happiness and celebration.

happy about

A more general and understated expression of satisfaction.

FAQs

What does "gloating about" mean?

"Gloating about" means expressing great, often malicious, pleasure or satisfaction at someone else's misfortune or one's own success.

What are some alternatives to "gloating about"?

You can use alternatives like "reveling in", "bragging about", or "boasting about" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "gloating about"?

It's generally appropriate to use "gloating about" in informal contexts when describing someone's behavior. However, be cautious about using it in formal settings, as it can be perceived negatively. Consider alternatives like "taking pride in" in professional contexts.

Is "gloating about" grammatically correct?

Yes, "gloating about" is grammatically correct and functions as a prepositional phrase. It's commonly used in spoken and written English to describe someone expressing excessive satisfaction.