Braggadocchio

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Arrogant boasting or bluster meant to impress or intimidate ; a person who boasts excessively or behaves arrogantly without genuine backing
2. Empty bragging intended to make oneself seem impressive or formidable ; someone who makes grandiose claims about their abilities or accomplishments
3. Ostentatious self-promotion through inflated claims ; an individual prone to vain, bombastic speech about their own importance or prowess

Etymology: Edmund Spenser gave this name to a character in his epic poem "The Faerie Queene," where Braggadocchio is a showy boaster who turns out to be a coward. Spenser's invention made the name famous, and English readers soon began using it as a common noun for empty bragging. The name is built on the English verb "brag," with an Italianate ending that gives it a grand, mock-heroic ring. Spenser likely drew on Italian words for boasting, which may explain the "-occhio" spelling, though the exact model is uncertain. Its spelling varied for a long time, and the shorter "braggadocio" became the standard form in English.

Synonyms: braggart, boaster, blusterer

Antonyms: humble person, modest person