Gasbag

A gasbag is a person who talks a great deal, often in a boastful or empty way, and usually at length. They tend to dominate conversations, filling the air with lengthy pronouncements, opinions, and stories that may be of little substance or genuine interest to others. Their pronouncements may exhibit self-importance, and they can be oblivious to others' desire to speak or their lack of engagement. The term suggests that their words are merely hot air, lacking any real weight or value, like the inflated balloon or bladder associated with the word. They often talk excessively about their own achievements or beliefs. A gasbag's verbosity can quickly exhaust or irritate those around them, creating an environment of enforced listening and dwindling patience.

Gasbag meaning with examples

• At the company meeting, Mr. Henderson, the department head, turned out to be a complete gasbag. He went on for nearly an hour about his latest golf score, without any regard for the actual business agenda, while other employees started to check their phones under the table. It was a complete waste of time.
• The political candidate, known for his long-winded speeches, was labeled a gasbag by the press after he spent an entire rally discussing his childhood pet hamster. His opponents capitalized on his reputation by making shorter speeches. Their opponents saw it as a prime opportunity to gain attention.
• During dinner, Uncle Joe transformed into the family gasbag, recounting every detail of his recent trip to Europe, even describing the specific thread count of the hotel sheets. Everyone in the dining room politely listened, but no one truly wanted to be there, especially the children.
• Despite being asked to briefly present the quarterly financial report, the CEO proved to be a gasbag. Instead of focusing on the numbers, he spent almost two hours explaining his personal investment strategy. By the end of the meeting, everyone was completely exhausted.