puffery

American  

[puhf-uh-ree] / ˈpʌf ə ri /

noun

plural

pufferies

1. undue or exaggerated praise.

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

---

puffery British  

/ ˈpʌfərɪ /

noun

1. informal exaggerated praise, esp in publicity or advertising

---

Etymology

Origin of puffery

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.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From New York Times

Customers are expected to be smart enough to recognise that ads will often contain a certain amount of "puffery".

From BBC

“There’s a legal line. When is it puffery and when is it deceit?”

From Seattle Times

Well-heeled puffery makes it much easier to buy your own hype.

From Salon