fanfaronade
Americannoun
noun
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.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At Miami, the Hoover party was welcomed by Governor Carlton amid a Florida fanfaronade.
From Time Magazine Archive
But like a demure singer in a long gown who is surrounded by chorus girls in sequined miniskirts, the statue may seem slightly lost amid the fanfaronade.
From Time Magazine Archive
As he stood under the tall microphone, pondering fanfaronade, Bobby's long trousers seemed to sag.
From Time Magazine Archive
In Round 18, popular Fred Souk, 13, who had flown all the way from the Azores, where his father works, threw an extra "r" into fanfaronade, and only five spellers were left.
From Time Magazine Archive
His arrival at the Shirehall and Guildhall was signalised, however, by the customary fanfaronade on a couple of inharmonious trumpets.” 15.—St.
From Norfolk Annals A Chronological Record of Remarkable Events in the Nineteeth Century, Vol. 2 by Mackie, Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
