The phrase "gloat over" is pronounced /ɡloʊt ˈoʊvər/ and is spelled using standard English spelling rules. The "gl" sound is pronounced as a voiced velar stop followed by a lateral approximant sound. The "oa" sound is pronounced as a diphthong, combining the sounds of "oh" and "ah". The "t" at the end of "gloat" is pronounced as an unvoiced alveolar stop, while the "o" in "over" is pronounced with a long "oh" sound. This phrase means to take great pleasure in one's success or someone else's failure.
To "gloat over" means to take excessive pleasure or satisfaction in one's success, accomplishment, or advantage, often at the expense or misfortune of others. This term implies a certain level of arrogance, superiority, or even cruelty, as it involves deriving joy from someone else's failure or setback. The act of gloating over something can be seen as gloating "about" a particular event or circumstance, rubbing it in to make sure others are aware of one's triumph.
The concept of gloating over is closely related to schadenfreude, which refers to deriving pleasure or amusement from the suffering or misfortune of others. However, gloating over is more specifically focused on reveling in one's own success while indirectly mocking or belittling others who have not achieved the same outcome.
Gloating over can manifest in various ways, such as showing off, boasting, bragging, or excessively flaunting one's achievements. It often involves a display of smugness, superiority, or even taunting aimed at those who have not achieved similar success.
This term is commonly used in interpersonal interactions, especially in situations of competition or rivalry, where one person revels in their victory while diminishing the accomplishments or status of others. However, gloating over can also occur internally, within one's own thoughts or self-reflection, as one privately revels in their successes and takes pleasure in imagining others' envy or disappointment.
The word "gloat" comes from Middle English "gloaten", which originated from Old Norse "glotta" meaning "to smile or grin broadly". It further derives from the Proto-Germanic word "*glut-", meaning "to be merry or glad".
The addition of "over" to the word forms the phrase "gloat over". In this context, "over" is used to indicate the object or subject over which one is gloating. For instance, if someone is "gloating over their success", they are excessively relishing or taking pleasure in their achievement.