Robert Christgau

The Village Voice gave me an outlet. They encouraged writers to publish idiosyncratic, intellectually ambitious journalism in voices that ranged from demonic to highfalutin. And they paid me well once the magazine was unionized. Getting paid is motivational.

American Journalist

Nile Rodgers

Trust me, the only real way to understand 'Chic' is in highfalutin terms. Our chord progressions were based on European modal melodies. I made those early 'Chic' records to impress my jazz friends.

American Musician

Richard Quest

Every year, the World Economic Forum decides on a theme for its meeting of the world's elite in Davos, Switzerland. Usually, it's highfalutin nonsense that no one understands and everyone ignores.

English Journalist

Ray Kroc

Creativity is a highfalutin word for the work I have to do between now and Tuesday.

American Businessman

John Hawkes

I don't mean to be highfalutin about it, but I try to limit my visibility.

American Actor

Michael Connelly

I write puzzles and mysteries. Nothing too highfalutin.

American Author

Used in informal settings; not suited for formal or serious texts.

Colloquial Usage

Often carries a mocking or ironic tone when describing someone's behavior or speech.

Mocking Tone

Implies that the behavior or speech is not only pretentious but also lacks substance.

Negative Nuance

 He does say that, and we think he's being unrealistic and sort of spiritual and highfalutin. "Nice for him to say it, but I can't do that." But, actually, that's practical. If you love your enemy that means you want your enemy to be happy.

Highfalutin