"Self-deprecatory" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
Self-deprecatory refers to a person's tendency to disparage or belittle themselves, often in a sincere or humorous way, in order to deflect attention, avoid controversy, or get out of a situation. It involves making fun of or criticizing oneself, often with irony or sarcasm, in an attempt to put others at ease or avoid being taken seriously.
Example: "John is so self-deprecatory when he talks about his art, always making jokes about how bad it is."
Synonyms: self-deprecating, humble, ironic, sarcastic.
Antonyms: arrogant, conceited, boastful, self-aggrandizing.
Denigrating oneself refers to the act of talking or thinking disapprovingly about oneself, often as a way to show humility or to avoid being too proud. <br><br>Originates from Latin words "de-" meaning "down" and "niger," meaning "black," which can also be interpreted as "to darken" or "to defile."