Inklingo

How to Say "show-off" in Spanish

The Spanish word forshow-offis fantasmaB2 level.

English → SpanishB2
nounB2informal
person who boasts
A brightly dressed figure standing on a small stage, proudly displaying a large, shiny gold medal and smiling boastfully.

Examples

No le hagas caso, solo es un fantasma que habla mucho pero no hace nada.

Don't pay attention to him, he's just a show-off who talks a lot but doesn't do anything.

Pensé que era millonario, pero resultó ser un fantasma.

I thought he was a millionaire, but he turned out to be a phony.

Referring to People

When used for a person, 'fantasma' usually keeps the masculine article 'el' even if referring to a woman (Elisa es un fantasma). This usage is very common in Spain.

Confusing literal and figurative use

Mistake:El jefe es muy fantasma (meaning: The boss is very ghostly).

Correction: El jefe es muy presumido/un fantasma (meaning: The boss is very conceited/a show-off). Use 'un fantasma' or switch to an adjective like 'presumido'.

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