blowhard
UK[ˈbləʊhɑːd]US[ˈbloʊhɑːrd]
n
a person who boasts loudly or arrogantly about themselves.
Morpheme Breakdown
blow
hard
blow
to boast, to brag
hard
forcefully, excessively
Etymology
the term 'blowhard' is a compound word formed within american english in the mid-19th century. it creatively combines the verb 'blow', which had developed a slang sense meaning 'to boast or talk loudly', with the adverb 'hard', implying excessive or forceful action. the imagery is of someone puffing out their chest and speaking with great, empty force, much like blowing hard into a horn or instrument. this vivid metaphor effectively captures the essence of a loud, pompous braggart whose words are full of air but lack substance.
Analysis
Structure: blow (to boast, to brag) + hard (forcefully, excessively)
blow (from old english blāwan, meaning 'to blow, to puff', here used in the figurative sense 'to boast'); hard (from old english heard, meaning 'hard, severe, intense', here used as an intensifying adverb).
Examples
everyone at the meeting quickly grew tired of the new consultant, who was a real blowhard.
he had a reputation as a blowhard, always telling exaggerated stories about his business successes.
don't be such a blowhard; let others have a chance to speak.