Egoing
English
Etymology
From ego + -ing.
Noun
egoing (uncountable)
- The act of behaving according to one’s ego; a pattern of conduct driven by self-image or self-importance rather than grounded judgment.
- Often manifests as insecurity, comparison, fear, or arrogance.
Extended senses
- Acting with a sense of self-importance; asserting oneself in a self-centered or self-elevating manner.
- Behaving in a manner shaped by one’s self-esteem or self-image; reacting based on how one perceives oneself.
- Blatantly ignoring something or someone while still acknowledging their presence or question.
Technical senses
- (psychology, Freudian) Mediating between internal impulses and external reality in a self-referential, ego-driven way.
- (anthropology, genealogy) Positioning oneself as the reference point from which relationships or social structures are interpreted.
Verb
egoing
Usage notes
- Egoing frames the ego not as a fixed entity, but as a behavioral mode or pattern that can be observed and identified.
- Commonly used in informal or reflective contexts to describe reactive, self-centered behavior.
Examples
- He wasn’t actually offended; he was just egoing because he felt outshone.
- The argument escalated quickly once both sides started egoing instead of listening.
- Recognizing when you're egoing is the first step toward responding more deliberately.