Beyoncé still pregnant (not showing off) (Evan Agostini/AP)
Given the high expectations of the baby’s birth, it’s no surprise that entertainment outlets (including this one) have reported on Bey’s reappearance. (What can I say? I miss her!)
Most of the commentary centered on how beautiful the singer looked so soon after giving birth. The Examiner, LA Times and TooFab.com have also used this f verb.
But was Beyoncé really showing off her body? I don’t think so.
The word “show off” is used frequently in tabloids and entertainment sites, primarily to describe the bodies of female celebrities.
According to Merriam-Webster, flaunt means “show off.”Displaying or obstructing yourself in public notices” or “To display flashily or brazenly. This word means that the person is putting themselves out there to be seen or spoken “shamelessly”. It has a negative connotation.
For example, we can say that teenage bride Courtney Stodden is showing off her body in these photos taken on the beach. She clearly knows she’s being photographed for her and she’s showing herself off. But Beyoncé was “showing off” her post-pregnancy physique, or Jennifer Garner unknowingly flaunting her baby bump while her picture was taken. to suggest?that’s ridiculous.
In case you were wondering, yes, the media can also decide when women do so on purpose. No show off. The Daily Mail released a photo of Jessica Simpson in a flowing skirt and top in August, declaring that she was “not in the mood to show off.” revealed her pregnancy, and she’s been flaunting her baby body side to side ever since.)
Male celebrities, on the other hand, mostly flaunt their abs. Take this photo of Mario Lopez in his pants on national television. Man showing off his body. George Clooney also recently showed off his “comic skills.”
For the record, there’s nothing wrong with having a certain amount of confidence. If a man or woman is proud of something, be it body, brains, wealth, or anything in between, they should be able to brag about it. Because of that, I’m sure this word didn’t have a negative connotation.
But in the name of proper wording, was there really anything fancy about Beyoncé’s outfit this week? Are the Jagger sisters sporting red lipstick and showing off their pouts in this photo? • Is Mrs. Mirren really shamelessly flaunting her figure in this gown? No, no, no, I say.
Here is my plea. Use ostentation sparingly. Let’s say instead of flaunting her so-called post-baby body, Beyoncé is celebrating it by wearing a dress that fits her curves? (Like Kim Kardashian.)
