Pronunciation: [wˈɪndbaɡz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "windbags" is not straightforward, as it contains two consonants that can be pronounced in multiple ways. The first syllable, "wind," is pronounced with a long "i" sound (/waɪnd/), as in the word "kind." The second syllable, "bags," is pronounced with a soft "g" sound (/bæɡz/), as in the word "eggs." Together, the word "windbags" refers to people who talk excessively or boastfully without substance.
Windbags is a colloquial term that refers to individuals who habitually talk excessively or boastfully, often without substance or significance. Derived from the metaphorical image of a bag filled with hot air, a windbag is someone who constantly spouts off words and opinions, offering little substance or meaningful contribution to a conversation or discussion.
These individuals tend to dominate conversations, monopolizing the time and attention of others without considering their viewpoints. Windbags are known for their incessant rambling and propensity to steer conversations towards themselves, often boasting about their accomplishments or exaggerating their abilities. They display an inflated sense of self-importance, seeking validation and admiration from others through their incessant talking.
Characteristics often associated with windbags include verbosity, self-aggrandizement, and the tendency to make pompous statements. Their ability to fill the air with words can be exhausting to listeners who may feel trapped in never-ending monologues, often struggling to find an opportunity to contribute or express their own thoughts.
Windbags are generally not well-regarded in social settings, as their constant talking can be seen as attention-seeking behavior or a lack of interest in others. This term is pejorative and often used to describe individuals who are not taken seriously due to their penchant for empty words and self-promotion.
The word "windbag" originated in the early 18th century and is composed of two parts: "wind" and "bag".
The term "wind" refers to the movement of air, often associated with gusts. In the metaphorical sense, it refers to empty or meaningless talk, similar to the way air fills up a space without substance. "Wind" has been used in this figurative sense since the Middle Ages.
The term "bag" here refers to a container or sack. In this context, it signifies a person or entity that is filled with an abundance of idle or boastful talk. A "bag" often symbolizes something that can hold or contain things, and in the case of a windbag, it represents a person who is full of words or ideas but lacking in substance.
