blow-hard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal, slightly dated, often pejorative.
Quick answer
What does “blow-hard” mean?
A person who boasts loudly and excessively, a braggart.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who boasts loudly and excessively, a braggart.
A pompous, self-important individual who talks incessantly about their supposed achievements, opinions, or knowledge in an irritating and exaggerated manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more common and likely older in American English. The hyphenated form 'blow-hard' is less common than the solid 'blowhard' in modern usage.
Connotations
Carries the same core pejorative meaning in both. May have a slight 'folksy' or 'cowboy' connotation in American English due to its origin.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency. More likely to be encountered in literature, journalism, or descriptive speech than in everyday conversation. Slightly more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “blow-hard” in a Sentence
He is a [blowhard].Don't listen to that [blowhard].The [blowhard] bragged for an hour.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blow-hard” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This word is not used as a verb.
American English
- This word is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- This word is not used as an adverb.
American English
- This word is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He gave a blowhard speech that bored everyone.
American English
- I can't stand his blowhard attitude.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe a colleague or manager who talks big about results but delivers little.
Academic
Rare; might be used informally to describe a pompous lecturer or a peer who overstates their expertise.
Everyday
Used among friends or family to describe an annoying, boastful acquaintance.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blow-hard”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He blowharded about his car' - incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'blowhard' as a compound adjective for wind (e.g., 'a blowhard storm' - incorrect for this sense).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is definitely informal and pejorative. Calling someone a blowhard to their face would be an insult. It's more commonly used to describe someone behind their back.
Yes, it can be used for any gender, though historically it may have been applied more often to men. 'She's a real blowhard' is perfectly grammatical and meaningful.
A blowhard primarily boasts about their achievements, importance, or experiences. A 'know-it-all' boasts about their knowledge and corrects others, but may not exaggerate their personal exploits.
The solid spelling 'blowhard' is more common in modern dictionaries and usage. 'Blow-hard' is an older, hyphenated variant you might still see.
A person who boasts loudly and excessively, a braggart.
Blow-hard is usually informal, slightly dated, often pejorative. in register.
Blow-hard: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbləʊhɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbloʊhɑːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “full of hot air (similar concept)”
- “all mouth and no trousers (UK, similar)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone blowing a HARD, loud trumpet to announce their own achievements. 'Blow' (the loud talk) + 'hard' (excessively).
Conceptual Metaphor
BOASTING IS PRODUCING HOT AIR / EMPTY WIND.
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best describes a 'blowhard'?