gasbag

American  

[gas-bag] / ˈgæsˌbæg /

noun

1. a bag for holding gas, as in a balloon or dirigible.

2. Slang.  a talkative, boastful person; windbag.

---

gasbag British  

/ ˈɡæsˌbæɡ /

noun

1. a person who talks in a voluble way, esp about unimportant matters

---

verb

1. (intr) to talk in a voluble way, esp about unimportant matters

Etymology

Origin of gasbag

First recorded in 1820–30; gas + bag

Example Sentences

Al Michaels once called us “gasbags on parade.”

From Los Angeles Times

This is an excellent moment in history to be a crook, a liar, a gasbag or a double-dealing political hack, because there are far fewer reporters rooting around like drug-sniffing airport dogs.

From Los Angeles Times

By the next scene, we see that Little Bill has grabbed the spotlight for himself, ballooning into a gasbag of self-importance.

From Los Angeles Times

At its least attractive, you may grimly flash on the last gasbag you were stuck next to while waiting on some interminable line.

From New York Times

Don’t feel bad if the answer is no, because in a crowded field, money and name recognition are hard to come by, giving the incumbent gasbag a big advantage.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• debater
• orator
• raconteur