Self-deprecation


Self-deprecation is the act of reprimanding oneself by belittling, undervaluing, or disparaging oneself, or being excessively modest. It can be used in humor and tension release.

As self-defense

Self-deprecation was recommended by philosophers of Stoicism as a response to insults. Instead of getting defensive, we should join in by insulting ourselves even more. According to the Stoics, this will remove the sting from the insult. It will also disappoint our interlocutor because we failed to show upset in response to words that were supposed to hurt us, thereby reducing the chance that they will try to upset us like that again.

As an element of politeness

In traditional British-English culture, self-deprecation is considered to be an element of modesty. Modesty is considered a virtue, often contrasted to the North American demonstration of self-confidence, often taken for boasting. This is characteristic such as in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, where "blowing one's own trumpet" is frowned upon. In stereotypical English behavior, belittling themselves means appearing polite by putting someone else first.

In comedy

Self-deprecation is seen as a major component of the comedy of many North American comedians such as Woody Allen, Nathan Fielder, Don Knotts, Joan Rivers, etc.