self-proclaimed
UK: ˌself prəˈkleɪmd | US: ˌself proʊˈkleɪmd
adj. declared or described by oneself, often without external validation
adj. asserting a title, status, or identity without official confirmation
The word combines "self" (Old English "self," meaning "one's own person") with "proclaimed" (from Latin "proclamare," where "pro-" means "before" or "forth," and "clamare" means "to shout"). The term emerged in English to describe declarations made by individuals about themselves, often without external authority. The "-ed" suffix marks it as a past participle, functioning adjectivally.
He was a self-proclaimed expert in ancient history, though he had no formal training.
The self-proclaimed leader of the group lacked support from the majority.
She introduced herself as a self-proclaimed artist, showcasing her work online.
The self-proclaimed genius failed to solve the basic math problem.
Critics dismissed his self-proclaimed achievements as exaggerated.