Definition
得意扬扬 describes a smug, self-satisfied attitude, often after a small success, with a strong negative connotation of showing off. It is more emphatic and disapproving than the simpler 得意 (proud of oneself, often neutral), and unlike 自满 (complacent, inward-focused), it implies outward elation and boastfulness.
phrase
smugself-satisfiedtriumphant (in a negative or disapproving sense)complacent and proud after a minor success
Examples
- 得意扬扬，。Tā gāng dédào biǎoyáng jiù dé yì yáng yáng qǐlái, lián zǒulù dōu áng zhe tóu.As soon as he was praised, he became smug, even walking with his head held high.
- 得意扬扬，。Bié nàme dé yì yáng yáng, xià cì kǎoshì nǐ hái bù yídìng néng yíng ne.Don't be so smug; you might not win on the next exam.
- 得意扬扬，。Tā dé yì yáng yáng de xuànyào zìjǐ de xīn chē, péngyoumen dōu juéde tā tài zìmǎn le.He smugly showed off his new car, and his friends all thought he was too full of himself.
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