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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hot air

When hot air balloons emerged in the 19th century, courts attached a strict liability standard.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026

“The courts were saying, ‘Who is using hot air balloons?’

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026

Referencing comments by Tory peer and former Marks & Spencer boss Lord Rose, who called the announcements "hot air", Ashley said "I agree with him".

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026

Drainages are natural low-lying areas of land that can gather hot air and smoke and then generate intense drafts that drive a fire uphill with dangerous speeds.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026

Though my immediate reaction was to hope that Jerry was blowing hot air, I did not dismiss his criticism.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

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