windbag

American  

[wind-bag] / ˈwɪndˌbæg /

noun

1. Also called bag of wind. Informal. an empty, voluble, pretentious talker.

2. the bag of a bagpipe.

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windbag British  

/ ˈwɪndˌbæɡ /

noun

1. slang a voluble person who has little of interest to communicate

2. the bag in a set of bagpipes, which provides a continuous flow of air to the pipes

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Other Word Forms

• windbaggery
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of windbag

A late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at wind ¹, bag

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Explanation

If you find yourself stuck on a bus beside someone who talks endlessly about boring subjects, you might think to yourself, "What a windbag." It's an informal way to describe a big talker. The word windbag is a useful but derogatory way to talk about a boring chatterer. A windbag might gossip, or brag, or tell a long story — but in any case, nothing he says is interesting or useful information. The original fifteenth century meaning of windbag was "bellows for an organ," which was literally a bag of wind or air. By the early 1800s, it took on the metaphorical meaning of "person who talks too much."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

windbag

Its brevity made it an excellent vehicle for wit — a barb for puncturing bloated egos and windbag grandiosity.

From New York Times ● Feb. 9, 2022

He knows which way the wind is blowing, and he will do his best to become a windbag that blows in that direction, whatever humiliating deflation is required first.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 7, 2022

The windbag in question is Thomas Wolfe, by all accounts the most difficult and irrepressible talent in Perkins’ stable — and also the most outlandishly theatrical, to judge by Jude Law’s puckish performance in the role.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2016

This windbag at a party about five years ago told me, very loudly, that I had written only one book; the rest are screenplays.

From The Guardian ● Dec. 19, 2015

He was, if possible, even a bigger windbag than Dr. Roland.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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