Peacocking

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2020-02-10

Summary

Rob’s showing off (again), but this time he’s decided to dress up and impress Feifei. Is this an example of ‘peacocking’, and what does that really mean? Watch The English We Speak to see Feifei’s reaction, and find out the true meaning of this animal-related phrase.

Transcript  

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak with me, Feifei…

Rob
…and me, Rob. Hey, Feifei. I have a little challenge for you.

Feifei
Oh good, I like a challenge.

Rob
Right. Well. Can you name a bird that has bright feathers?

Feifei
A parrot?

Rob
No. It has big colourful feathers that it sticks up when it’s showing off and trying to attract a mate.

Feifei
Got it! A peacock. Why are you asking?

Rob
Well, it’s a clue for this authentic English phrase. Can you think of an expression which describes someone showing off to attract attention?

Feifei
Yes, Rob. It’s ‘peacocking’ – I often use it to describe you! But, Rob, peacocking never impresses me!

Rob
Well, Feifei, you are hard to impress – but maybe these examples of ‘peacocking’ will…

Examples
Why does Dev have to wear that bright shirt and walk around the office talking and laughing loudly? It’s obvious that he’s peacocking, but to me, he’s just annoying.

When we first met, I was impressed by John’s flashy clothes and constant jokes. But he was obviously peacocking because now he just wears jeans and never says anything funny!

I thought my peacocking skills would work wonders on our blind date. Unfortunately, she told me I was just showing off, and I just needed to be myself. I don’t think I’ll be seeing her again.

Feifei
You're listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. We’re talking about ‘peacocking’, which describes someone showing off to attract attention and impress people.

Rob
Originally, it described an extreme and over-the-top way a man might dress and the arrogant way he might behave to attract a woman.

Feifei
Yes, I can see why you would have been good at that, Rob!

Rob
Well, women do it now too, Feifei. For example by bragging on Instagram about the amazing things they’ve done.

Feifei
OK, it seems like anyone can be guilty of peacocking these days.

Rob
Well, you’d never find me peacocking, Feifei – I’m not the sort of person to show off, I hate to attract attention.

Feifei
What do you mean, Rob?! You’re always centre of attention.

Rob
Thanks!

Feifei
Bye!

Rob
Bye bye!