hot air

American  

noun

Informal.

1. empty, exaggerated, or pretentious talk or writing.

   His report on the company's progress was just so much hot air.

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hot air British  

noun

1. informal empty and usually boastful talk

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hot air Idioms  

1. Empty, exaggerated talk, as in That last speech of his was pure hot air. It is also put as full of hot air, as in Pay no attention to Howard—he's full of hot air. This metaphoric term transfers heated air to vaporous talk. [Late 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of hot air

1835–45 for literal sense

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hot air

Fridges are working in overdrive to keep produce cool, shutters are being pulled down to keep the hot air at bay, and some goods are being taken off the shelves on the hottest days.

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

In your home, during a heat wave, electric fans do the same: blow extra hot air around, potentially raising your body temperature instead of cooling it down.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2026

With all the hot air from computer servers, people resorted to the ancient device of paper fans and organizers placed large ice blocks all over the exhibition hall.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026

Some argue that the air-conditioners, which expel hot air outside, could exacerbate outdoor temperatures in densely populated areas.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026

It was a hot day but when he opened the door there was a blast of hot air escaping at us.

From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson

Related Words

• wind