self-deprecation

[ self-dep-ri-key-shuhn, self- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the act or habit of belittling or undervaluing oneself; excessive modesty, often as a form of humor:
There’s no need for self-deprecation—you're doing fine and shouldn’t be worried about your shortcomings.
At the luau, the Hawaiian chief's deadpan delivery, self-deprecation, and gentle mockery of tourists was hilarious.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of self-deprecation¹

First recorded in 1840–45; self- ( def ) + deprecation ( def )

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Example Sentences

For what it’s worth, Nyoni’s film is very cool, even though she constantly peppers her conversation with this kind of playful self-deprecation.

From Los Angeles Times

“And some even other worse-named bands than that,” he quips, that self-deprecation once again coming through as he sinks into a chair, playing with a fraying piece of fabric on the arm.

From Los Angeles Times

“He harbors no illusions that his Canadian tendency toward self-deprecation is taken seriously by anyone. One talent agent routinely tells clients auditioning for Michaels to remember that he is the real star of the show. He is the alpha in most of his employees’ lives.

From Los Angeles Times

Her brand of self-deprecation, brutal honesty and sharp wit has elevated her to stardom and changed her life.

From Los Angeles Times

And she approaches the new fame with the internal self-deprecation and insecurity that fuels so many funny people.

From Los Angeles Times

self-deprecating self-depreciating

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