Highfalutin: meaning, definitions and examples

The word 'highfalutin' originated in the United States during the early 19th century, primarily evolving from the combination of 'high' and 'falutin,' with 'falutin' itself believed to be a variation of 'flute,' a reference to the lofty or elevated manner in which something is expressed. The term captures a sense of being overly elaborate and affected, often with a sarcastic undertone. It gained popularity in literary and social critiques, especially in relation to oratory and writing that was perceived as unnecessarily complex or inflated. The term has since been used in a variety of contexts to describe anything from language to lifestyles that seem ostentatious or exaggeratedly sophisticated, often with the intention of impressing others.

Ranking #38,565, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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