exaggerate, praise

誇 is composed of 言 (speech, word) and 夸 (praise). 言 represents speaking or words. 夸 is a pictograph of a person crossing over an obstacle. Overcoming an obstacle is something worthy of showing off and being praised, and both showing off and praising are often expressed through speech. Therefore, 誇 is used to represent boasting, exaggeration, or praise.