full of hot air: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘full of hot air’ mean?
The idiom "full of hot air" means someone who talks a lot but doesn't say anything of substance or value. It refers to someone who is not trustworthy or reliable in their words or promises.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "jive turkey" is a derogatory term used to describe someone who is not trustworthy or who speaks insincerely.
The idiom "hot stuff" is used to describe someone or something that is outstanding, remarkable, or highly skilled.
The idiom "hot shit" refers to someone or something that is highly impressive, successful or influential. It is used to convey a sense of superiority or remarkable qualities.
The idiom "hot and cold" means to be inconsistent or indecisive in one's actions or feelings.
The idiom "hissing hot" is used to describe something that is extremely hot or scalding. This expression conveys the intense heat and the potential danger associated with it.
The idiom "good for nothing" is used to describe someone or something that is completely useless or lacking in any value or purpose.
The idiom "get wind in one's jaws" means to talk excessively or for a long time about something, often without substance or relevance.
The idiom "full of oneself" means feeling excessively proud or self-centered, often to the point of arrogance or conceit.
The idiom "full of it" means to be speaking insincerely or to be exaggerating or lying about something.
Curious Beginnings
The idiom "full of hot air" is a commonly used expression that describes someone who talks a lot but says very little of substance. This idiom is often used in a negative way, suggesting that the person in question is boastful, arrogant, or simply lacks knowledge about the subject they are discussing. Though the exact origin of this idiom is unknown, it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century.
One possible explanation for the origin of this idiom is related to the concept of hot air balloons. In the late 18th century, the Montgolfier brothers successfully demonstrated the use of hot air to lift objects into the sky. These hot air balloons were filled with hot air, which allowed them to fly. However, just like a balloon filled with hot air, a person who is "full of hot air" may seem impressive or substantial on the surface, but upon closer examination, their words and ideas lack depth or real substance.
Another possible origin of this idiom is connected to the humorously exaggerated language used in political speeches or sales pitches. In these contexts, individuals may employ persuasive and bombastic language to captivate their audience and create an illusion of substance. Yet, upon closer scrutiny, their words may prove to be empty and lacking in substance, causing their listeners to recognize them as being "full of hot air."
It is important to note that the meaning of this idiom is based on a figurative interpretation, rather than a literal one. When someone is described as "full of hot air," it does not mean that they are physically filled with hot air. Instead, it suggests that they have a tendency to speak or boast without offering any real substance or credibility.
The idiom "full of hot air" is commonly used to describe individuals who talk excessively without providing any meaningful or substantial information. Although the origins of this idiom are uncertain, it likely originated in the early 20th century and is associated with the concept of hot air balloons and the use of exaggerated language in political or persuasive contexts. This idiom serves as a reminder to question the credibility and depth of someone's words and ideas before accepting them at face value.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "full of hot air" can be used in a sentence:
- He talks a lot about his plan, but I think he's just full of hot air.
- The new politician's promises sound nice, but I believe they're just full of hot air.
- Don't pay attention to his bragging, he's known to be full of hot air.
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