How Do You Spell HIGHFALUTIN?

Pronunciation: [hˈa͡ɪfɐlˌuːtɪn] (IPA)

The word "highfalutin" is spelled with nine letters and is pronounced /ˌhaɪ.fəˈluː.tɪn/. The word is of American origin and means pretentious or pompous. Its spelling reflects its casual and playful nature, with a mix of high- and lowbrow elements. The first part of the word, "high," suggests sophistication or elegance, while the second part, "falutin," is a distortion of the established word "flute," adding a colloquial and informal feel to the word. Overall, "highfalutin" is a fun and expressive way to describe someone or something that is overly exaggerated.

HIGHFALUTIN Meaning and Definition

1. Highfalutin is an adjective that describes something or someone as pompous, showy, or pretentiously verbose. The term is often used to describe language, style, or behavior that is overly grandiose, extravagant, or elevated beyond what is necessary or appropriate.

   Derived from the colloquial phrase "high-fluting," which means to carry oneself in an ostentatious or snobbish manner, highfalutin typically denotes an excessive display of importance, sophistication, or superiority. It suggests a deliberate attempt to impress or deceive others by using complex or elevated language, often to mask a lack of substance or intelligence.

   When used to describe speech, writing, or ideas, highfalutin suggests a pompous or affected style that intentionally uses lofty or elaborate vocabulary and sentence structures, often without conveying any depth or meaning. It can also refer to inflated claims, exaggerated claims of expertise, or an exaggerated sense of self-importance displayed by an individual.

   Overall, highfalutin is a derogatory term that implies an element of pretension or arrogance in the way someone is expressing themselves or presenting their ideas. It is commonly used to criticize individuals or literary works that prioritize form over substance, seeking to impress through grandiloquent language rather than conveying meaningful or practical information.

Common Misspellings for HIGHFALUTIN

• gighfalutin
• bighfalutin
• nighfalutin
• jighfalutin
• uighfalutin
• yighfalutin
• hughfalutin
• hjghfalutin
• hkghfalutin
• hoghfalutin
• h9ghfalutin
• h8ghfalutin
• hifhfalutin
• hivhfalutin
• hibhfalutin
• hihhfalutin
• highflutin
• hieghfalutin
• highfalation
• highfalloutin
• Highfaluntin
• Highfilitin
• Highflamutin

Etymology of HIGHFALUTIN

The word "highfalutin" is believed to have originated in the mid-1800s in the United States. Its etymology is uncertain, but it is thought to be a variant or corruption of the phrase "high-flying and looting", which originally referred to horse thieves who would ride on high-spirited, fast horses, known as "high-flyers", and then quickly escape with their loot. Over time, this phrase evolved into "highfalutin" with a slightly altered meaning. It came to describe people or things that were pretentious, exaggerated, or inflated in manner or style.

Similar spelling words for HIGHFALUTIN

• Highfill,
• high-flying,
• high-flown,
• highfaluting,
• highball,
• Highflying,
• highfield.