KIDDING ONESELF Meaning and
Definition
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Kidding oneself is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of deluding or deceiving oneself into believing something that is not true or pretending to possess qualities or abilities that one does not possess. It describes the act of engaging in self-deception, often to avoid facing an unpleasant truth or to inflate one's own ego.
When someone is kidding oneself, they are essentially fooling themselves, intentionally or unintentionally, leading to a distortion of reality. This self-deception can manifest in various ways, such as believing that one is not responsible for their failures or shortcomings, creating false justifications for one's actions, or convincing oneself that a situation is better than it actually is.
This expression usually implies a lack of self-awareness or an unwillingness to accept the truth due to fear, insecurity, or an inflated sense of superiority. Kidding oneself can limit personal growth and hinder the ability to make rational decisions based on accurate information.
Recognizing when one is kidding oneself is crucial for personal development and gaining perspective. It involves introspection, honesty, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Overcoming self-deception requires individuals to acknowledge their limitations and confront their weaknesses and flaws in order to make positive changes and strive for authenticity and self-improvement.
Common Misspellings for KIDDING ONESELF
- kidding onesemf
- kidding oneseln
- kidding oneselb
- kiddinngoneself
- kiddingwonself
- k idding oneself
- ki dding oneself
- kid ding oneself
- kidd ing oneself
- kiddi ng oneself
- kiddin g oneself
- kidding o neself
- kidding on eself
- kidding one self
- kidding ones elf
- kidding onese lf
- kidding onesel f
Etymology of KIDDING ONESELF
The phrase "kidding oneself" is an idiomatic expression that means to deceive or delude oneself. The etymology of this phrase can be understood by examining the origin of the word "kid" in this context.
In this phrase, the word "kid" does not refer to a young goat as it usually does, but rather it is derived from the slang term "kidding". Initially, "kid" was used as a verb meaning "to tease or deceive playfully". This sense of the word dates back to the 19th century in American English. Over time, "kidding" evolved into "kidding oneself", extending the meaning to self-deception or fooling oneself.
Therefore, the phrase "kidding oneself" conveys the idea of engaging in playful teasing or deceptive behavior towards oneself, ultimately emphasizing the act of self-deception.
