adjective
1.
self-conscious (about sth) nervous or embarrassed about your appearance or what other people think of you :
He's always been self-conscious about being so short.
2.
(often disapproving ) done in a way that shows you are aware of the effect that is being produced :
The humour of the play is self-conscious and contrived.
OPP unselfconscious
► ˌself-ˈconscious·ly adverb :
She was self-consciously aware of his stare.
► ˌself-ˈconscious·ness noun [ U ]