fanfaronade

American  

[fan-fer-uh-neyd] / ˈfæn fər əˈneɪd /

noun

1. bragging; bravado; bluster.

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fanfaronade British  

/ ˌfænfərəˈnɑːd /

noun

1. rare boasting or flaunting behaviour; bluster

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Etymology

Origin of fanfaronade

First recorded in 1645–55; from French fanfaronnade, from Spanish fanfarronada “bluff, bluster,” derivative of fanfarrón “braggart”; see fanfaron, -ade ¹

Explanation

If you've ever had to listen to someone brag endlessly about their success and expensive possessions, you already know about fanfaronade, which means empty bragging or an arrogant, flashy display. The word fanfaronade comes from a French word for "braggart." It's closely related to the word fanfare, which often refers to a gaudy or grand display. Think trumpets, banners, huge balloons, and elaborate parades. Fanfaronade is like the verbal equivalent of trumpets and banners, a big-headed proclamation of greatness, even (maybe especially) when there's actually not much to boast about.