self-torture; masochism; self-inflicted harm
Refers to physically or psychologically harming oneself, or to a masochistic tendency. Often used in the phrase 自虐ネタ for self-deprecating jokes.
He often makes self-deprecating jokes.
He has a habit of resorting to self-deprecation when he's stressed out.
自虐行為は健康を害する。
Self-harming behavior damages your health.
Whenever I fail, I end up adopting a self-deprecating attitude.
She's good at getting laughs with self-deprecating jokes.
マゾヒズム is the clinical/loanword term for masochism, often with a sexual connotation, whereas 自虐 is the everyday native word used for self-deprecating humor or general self-torment.
自虐 puts oneself down (as in self-deprecating jokes), while 自慢 means boasting or bragging about oneself.
Sino-Japanese compound of 自 (self) and 虐 (oppress, torment). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows standard kanji composition patterns.