showboating
UK[ˈʃəʊbəʊtɪŋ]US[ˈʃoʊboʊtɪŋ]
n
the act of behaving in a way that is intended to attract attention and impress other people, especially by showing off a skill
Morpheme Breakdown
show
boat
ing
show
to look at, see, gaze, behold, observe; inspect, examine; appear, be seen
boat
a small open vessel
ing
Etymology
the word "showboating" is a vivid americanism from the early 20th century. it originated in the world of traveling theater troupes and performers who would tour via riverboats along the mississippi and other major waterways. these performers would put on flamboyant displays, parades, and excerpts from plays on the decks of their boats or at landings to attract an audience for the full show. the literal act of "showing off from a boat" to draw a crowd evolved metaphorically. by the 1920s, it generalized to describe any ostentatious or flashy behavior intended to attract attention and impress spectators, completely detached from its nautical origins.
Analysis
Structure: show + boat + ing
show: from old english scēawian meaning "to look at, see, gaze, behold, observe; inspect, examine; appear, be seen". in this compound, it carries the sense of "displaying or exhibiting".
boat: from old english bāt meaning "a small open vessel". here, it refers to the literal boat used in the original context of the activity.
ing: a suffix forming the gerund (verbal noun) from verbs, from old english -ung, -ing.
Examples
the player was accused of unnecessary showboating when he attempted a complicated trick instead of making a simple pass.
her speech was more about showboating for the cameras than addressing the substantive issues.
the coach discourages showboating and emphasizes teamwork and fundamentals.