Are You an Even Steven or a Greedy Pig?
Explore idiomatic expressions to describe selfish and fair behavior
We all face situations where selfishness clashes with fairness.
From the workplace to the dinner table, there’s always someone who wants it all—whether it’s the last slice of pizza or control of the conversation.
But what happens when fairness steps in?
Finding the balance between selfishness and fairness is key to keeping peace and building stronger relationships. Knowing how to describe these behaviors in English can make all the difference in how we express ourselves.
By the end of this post, you’ll have some everyday expressions for talking about selfishness and fairness, and you’ll see how these ideas play out in real life.
Words and Expressions for Selfishness
Selfishness is something we all encounter at some point. It can show up in many forms, from taking more than our fair share to trying to steal the spotlight. Understanding and identifying selfish behavior can help us navigate relationships more effectively. Here are a few words and idioms that describe selfish behavior:
Hogging the Spotlight
Meaning: Taking all the attention or control without letting others participate.
Example:
"During the group project, Sarah kept hogging the spotlight, and no one else had a chance to speak."
Practice Question: Have you ever worked with someone who hogged the spotlight? How did it make you feel?Greedy Pig
Meaning: A playful, but more intense way of describing someone who is excessively greedy.
Example:
"I can't believe he took all the food for himself—what a greedy pig!"
Practice Question: Have you ever encountered someone acting like a greedy pig? How did it affect you?Selfish to the Core
Meaning: Being completely self-centered and unwilling to consider others.
Example:
"Matt is selfish to the core; he never offers to help anyone else."
Practice Question: How would you politely tell someone that they are being selfish?To Steal Someone’s Thunder
Meaning: To take attention or credit for something that someone else has done or said.
Example:
"Jessica stole my thunder by announcing the news before I had a chance to share it."
Practice Question: Have you ever felt like someone stole your thunder? How did you handle it?Me, Myself, and I
Meaning: A phrase used to describe someone who is overly focused on themselves and their own needs.
Example:
"He’s always talking about ‘me, myself, and I’—he never seems to care about anyone else."
Practice Question: Do you know someone who is always focused on 'me, myself, and I'? How does it affect those around them?
Words and Expressions for Fairness
Let’s turn the tables and look at words that reflect fairness and compromise:
Play Fair
Meaning: Acting honestly and treating others equally.
Example:
"If everyone plays fair, we can make sure everyone gets a turn."
Practice Question: What’s a situation in your life where you’ve seen someone play fair?Take Turns
Meaning: Alternating so that everyone gets an equal chance.
Example:
"Let’s take turns playing the video game so everyone has fun."
Practice Question: Why is taking turns important in group activities?Compromise
Meaning: Finding a solution where each person gives up a little to make things fair.
Example:
"We compromised: I’ll pick the restaurant tonight, and she’ll pick next time."
Practice Question: Can you think of a time when a compromise helped you solve a disagreement?Play by the Rules
Meaning: Following the rules and behaving ethically.
Example:
"If everyone plays by the rules, there won’t be any arguments about who wins."
Practice Question: Do you think people who don’t play by the rules should always be punished? Why or why not?Even Steven
Meaning: Describing a situation where things are equal or balanced, often after a compromise.
Example:
"After we took turns with the last piece of cake, it was all even Steven."
Practice Question: When was the last time you made sure things were even Steven in a situation?
Watch the Skit: Are You a Remote Hog?
Want to see these words in action?
Check out our skit: “Are You a Remote Hog?” where Sam and Alex show us what happens when selfishness takes over—and how fairness saves the day!
Why Fairness Always Wins in the End!
Selfishness might feel satisfying in the moment, but fairness is what keeps relationships strong.
Whether it’s dividing responsibilities, taking turns, or finding compromises, learning how to talk about selfishness and fairness helps us connect and communicate better.
Want to Put These Expressions Into Practice?
Join one of my classes or sign up for my conversation club to practice using these expressions in real-life situations.
Whether you’re learning how to talk about fairness or how to call out selfish behavior politely, I’ll help you build your confidence and sound more like a native speaker.