The phrase "pats oneself on the back" means to congratulate oneself for an achievement. It is spelled as /pæts wʌnˈsɛlf ɒn ðə bæk/. The first part "pats" is pronounced as /pæts/, with a short "a" sound. "Oneself" is pronounced as /wʌn'sɛlf/, with a stressed "wun" and a short "e" sound. "On the back" is pronounced as /ɒn ðə bæk/, with a short "o" sound and a soft "th" sound for "the". Overall, the spelling of the phrase accurately reflects the pronunciation.
The phrase "pats oneself on the back" is an idiomatic expression used to describe an individual praising or congratulating themselves for an accomplishment or success. It metaphorically implies the action of patting one's own back, which is a gesture often associated with self-satisfaction or self-approval.
When someone "pats themselves on the back," they are indulging in self-applause or self-admiration for their achievements, often to an excessive degree. It suggests an act of self-congratulation where one acknowledges their own abilities, efforts, or accomplishments without seeking external validation or recognition.
The phrase carries a somewhat derogatory connotation, as it implies a sense of self-importance or self-promotion. It suggests that the person engaging in such behavior is overly self-congratulatory and may be seeking praise or admiration from others by highlighting their own achievements. It can also convey a lack of humility or modesty, as the individual may be excessively proud of their accomplishments and display this pride openly.
Overall, "pats oneself on the back" refers to the act of self-acknowledgment and self-congratulation for accomplishments, often accompanied by a sense of self-importance or boastfulness. It conveys the idea of someone giving themselves recognition and commendation for their achievements without requiring the validation or acknowledgment of others.