2

What is the best word or way to describe a person who just has to try and do everything themselves because they think, either rightly or wrongly, that only they are good enough to do the task in hand?

The type of person I'm thinking of will attempt to take over any situation. So if you're having a BBQ only they are good enough to cook the food or if you're planning a day out then they decide only they are good enough to drive you there.

2
  • 2
    Control-freak...and other countless pejorative terms besides!
    – mjsqu
    Apr 30, 2014 at 19:46
  • Related.
    – tchrist
    Jun 7, 2014 at 20:42

5 Answers 5

2

Friends may half-jokingly call that person the little dictator/tyrant. This is slang but good.

However I think the best word for your details is imperious.

assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering

Some other words to describe this person would be:

  • overbearing... unpleasantly or arrogantly domineering
  • to be "nice" you can say assertive... having or showing a confident and forceful personality
  • usually used for a woman (by other women) would be haughty... arrogantly superior and disdainful.
  • and the common man's term would be simply pushy... excessively or unpleasantly self-assertive or ambitious.
1

You might call them perfectionists since they feel only their efforts are "good enough."

2
  • I might extend it to 'imposing perfectionist' for this particular usage. May 1, 2014 at 1:05
  • @JonJayObermark Nice improvement................. May 1, 2014 at 1:11
1

Given the level of self-involvement described, I am leaning toward narcissist.

I like egomaniac for this one too.

know-it-all 1. a person who acts as though he or she knows everything and who dismisses the opinions, comments, or suggestions of others.

1

Consider peremptory.

peremptory: characterized by often imperious or arrogant self-assurance.

0

Sounds like a narcissist
Narcissist: a conceited, self-centered, self-preoccupied person

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.