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.

Example Sentences

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

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

At Miami, the Hoover party was welcomed by Governor Carlton amid a Florida fanfaronade.

From Time Magazine Archive

Holding in mind, now, the notions of liberty and democracy as we have defined them, we see that it is not altogether a matter of fanfaronade when the American citizen calls himself a "sovereign."

From What Social Classes Owe to Each Other by Sumner, William Graham