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Angliholic Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Full of hot air

Her boyfriend is full of hot air.

Hi,

I think "full of hot air" in the above means "full of nonsense," but why does it mean this? That is, what is the origin of "hot air?" Thanks.
  

Top answer

When someone is said to be “full of hot air,” it means that he or she talks rather a lot about topics he or she doesn't really understand. This slang term has its origins in the United States, and it appears to date to the late 1800s. In addition to being “full of hot air,” something can be referred to simply as “hot air,” a shorthand reference to the longer saying.

— JohnParis

  • When someone is said to be “full of hot air,” it means that he or she talks rather a lot about topics he or she doesn't really understand.
  • This slang term has its origins in the United States, and it appears to date to the late 1800s.
  • In addition to being “full of hot air,” something can be referred to simply as “hot air,” a shorthand reference to the longer saying.
  • As a general rule, when one is accused of being full of hot air, it is not a compliment.
  • In order to understand the meaning of this phrase, you simply need to know that as air heats, it expands.
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2 Answers
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When someone is said to be “full of hot air,” it means that he or she talks rather a lot about topics he or she doesn't really understand. This slang term has its origins in the United States, and it appears to date to the late 1800s. In addition to being “full of hot air,” something can be referred to simply as
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