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fanfaronade

/ˈfænfərəˈneɪd/
IPA guide

Other forms: fanfaronades

If you've ever had to listen to someone brag endlessly about their success and expensive possessions, you already know about fanfaronade, which means empty bragging or an arrogant, flashy display.

The word fanfaronade comes from a French word for "braggart." It's closely related to the word fanfare, which often refers to a gaudy or grand display. Think trumpets, banners, huge balloons, and elaborate parades. Fanfaronade is like the verbal equivalent of trumpets and banners, a big-headed proclamation of greatness, even (maybe especially) when there's actually not much to boast about.

Definitions of fanfaronade
  1. noun
    boastful or showy behavior or speech; bragging; bluster
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