1 B1 informal
To speak with excessive pride about one's own achievements or possessions.
"He wouldn't stop bragging on his new car — it was all he talked about at the party."
brag on
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To talk proudly and enthusiastically about someone or something, often excessively.
In plain English
To talk in a proud way about yourself, someone you know, or something you have, sometimes too much.
What does "brag on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To speak proudly and enthusiastically about someone else, often with affection.
"My grandmother is always bragging on me to her friends — it's embarrassing but sweet."
Usage tip
Common in American English, particularly in Southern and informal speech. 'Brag on' someone can be affectionate (a parent bragging on their child) or critical (implying arrogance). Slightly more informal than 'boast about.'
Words that pair with "brag on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
kids achievements team cooking grades success
How to conjugate "brag on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
brag on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
brags on
he/she/it
Past simple
braged on
yesterday
Past participle
braged on
have + pp
-ing form
braging on
continuous
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