French word

pavaner

Pronunciation

IPA/pavane/

Meaning

  • verbshow off

Example

Ils se pavanent en montrant leurs cadeaux.

They show off as they display their gifts.

Illustration for pavaner (show off)

More examples

Après la promotion, il se pavane devant ses collègues.

After the promotion, he parades in front of his colleagues.

Core concept

A proud figure struts while putting possessions or appearance on display.

Common phrases

  • se pavaner devant quelqu'un

    parade in front of someone

  • se pavaner dans la rue

    parade in the street

  • se pavaner avec arrogance

    parade arrogantly

Similar words

se vanter: To boast about one's abilities or possessions in an exaggerated way.
frimer: To flaunt one's possessions or appearance to look cool.

Definition in French

Se montrer avec ostentation pour attirer l'attention, souvent en marchant ou en posant d'une manière fière.

Word origin

French pavaner is derived from pavane, a stately dance whose name is connected with Italian pavana and ultimately Latin pavo, meaning peacock.

Usage tips

  • The verb is most often used reflexively as se pavaner, and this form commonly carries a mocking or disapproving tone.

Other meanings

  • strutverb

Opposites

  • s'effacerfade into the backgroundverb
  • rester discretremain inconspicuousverb

Word lists with this word