Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Highfaluting: meaning, definitions and examples

🎩
Add to dictionary

highfaluting

 

[haɪˈfɛlʊtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

language use

Highfaluting describes language, ideas, or behaviors that are pretentious or intended to impress others. It often implies an inflated level of sophistication that may not be justified.

Synonyms

grandiose, inflated, pompous, pretentious.

Examples of usage

  • Her highfaluting speech impressed few in the audience.
  • He tends to use highfaluting terms to sound more knowledgeable.
  • The highfaluting fashion trends are not easily accessible to everyone.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term combines 'high', meaning elevated, and 'faluting', which is derived from 'flute', suggesting something lofty or showy.
  • Its roots can be traced back to 19th-century America, initially used with a mocking tone for pretentious speech or behavior.
  • The word likely evolved as a playful variant of 'high-flute', emphasizing exaggerated sophistication.

Culture

  • Highfaluting this word has appeared in literature and music, often to criticize elitism or ostentation.
  • Some famous cultural figures, like Mark Twain, have used the term in their works to highlight pretentiousness in society.
  • It can be seen in modern social media, where people sometimes boast about their 'highfaluting' lifestyles through extravagant posts.

Psychology

  • People often use highfaluting language to impress others or elevate their social status, which can lead to misunderstandings.
  • In many cases, using overly complex or fancy words can create barriers to effective communication.
  • Studies show that simpler language can be more persuasive, making highfaluting expressions sometimes counterproductive.

Literature

  • The use of highfaluting dialogue can reveal character traits, indicating someone’s desire to stand out or feel superior.
  • In plays and novels, this term is frequently associated with comic relief, where characters appear ridiculous for their pretentiousness.
  • Classic authors, such as Charles Dickens, have captured the essence of highfaluting characters to critique societal norms.

Language

  • Highfaluting often describes speech or writing that incorporates unnecessarily complicated language.
  • It acts as a reminder of the balance between expressing oneself eloquently and remaining relatable.
  • The term is sometimes used in public speaking, where speakers risk seeming disconnected from their audience if too highfaluting.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,097, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.