puffery

[puhf-uh-ree]

noun

plural

pufferies 

1. undue or exaggerated praise.

2. publicity, acclaim, etc., that is full of undue or exaggerated praise.

puffery

/ ˈpʌfərɪ /

noun

1. informal,  exaggerated praise, esp in publicity or advertising

Word History and Origins

Origin of puffery¹

First recorded in 1730–35; puff (in the sense “to praise with exaggeration”) + -ery

Example Sentences

Tesla’s defense in the shareholder case included the argument that statements like those were “mere corporate puffery, vague statements of optimism.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This outrageous fiction builds on decades of GOP puffery and media complicity.

Read more on Salon

It’s now disconcerting that Biden and his advocates so often lapse into puffery as to his true political situation.

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The film was not a work of puffery; it also offered critical perspectives.

Read more on New York Times

Trump’s penchant for puffery is sure to come up on Monday.

Read more on Seattle Times