preen
What does "preen" mean?
To preen is to groom oneself with care, specifically referring to birds smoothing their feathers with their beaks. Metaphorically, it describes a person who is spending excessive time making themselves look neat, attractive, or polished, often while looking at their own reflection. The word carries a slight sense of vanity or self-satisfaction. While it can simply mean tidying up, it is most often used to suggest that someone is feeling proud of their appearance or is acting in a smug, self-congratulatory manner. It is frequently used with the phrase "preen oneself."
"preen" in conversation
Getting ready for a date
Stop preening in the mirror! You look fine.
Stop preening in the mirror! You look fine.
I just want to make sure my collar is perfect.
I just want to make sure my collar is perfect.
Used here to describe someone obsessing over their reflection.
After a promotion
He has been preening ever since he got the corner office.
He has been preening ever since he got the corner office.
Tell me about it, he won't stop talking about his new title.
Tell me about it, he won't stop talking about his new title.
Used metaphorically to describe someone acting smug or full of themselves.
"preen" in a sentence
The swan preened its feathers by the lake.
The swan preened its feathers by the lake.
She spent an hour preening before the gala, checking every detail of her dress.
She spent an hour preening before the gala, checking every detail of her dress.
The politician preened before the cameras, clearly enjoying the public adoration.
The politician preened before the cameras, clearly enjoying the public adoration.
