Highfalutin

usgb/ˌhaɪfəˈluːtɪn/
adjective

Trying to seem very important or smart but it looks fake.

She gave a highfalutin speech at the event, filled with fancy words and grand ideas.
Visual representation of "highfalutin" - Trying to seem very important or smart but it looks fake

Often appears as...

  • highfalutin talk
  • highfalutin individual

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "highfalutin"
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Colloquial Usage

Used in informal settings; not suited for formal or serious texts.

Illustration for Colloquial Usage
His highfalutin way of talking seems out of place at our casual get-togethers.
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Mocking Tone

Often carries a mocking or ironic tone when describing someone's behavior or speech.

Illustration for Mocking Tone
Stop using highfalutin language to sound more intelligent; it's amusing.
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Negative Nuance

Implies that the behavior or speech is not only pretentious but also lacks substance.

Illustration for Negative Nuance
The author's highfalutin writing style makes the book difficult to take seriously.
Visual representation of the word "Highfalutin"

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