(derogatory) A person who talks too much or too loudly, especially in a boastful or self-important manner.
1861, "Correspondence of the Missouri Democrat," New York Times, 20 Oct., p. 2. (retrieved 24 Aug. 2009):The merchants are the most ultra Secessionists. . . . Some men of Northern origin were the most rabid. A "blowhard," named James Patterson, of Augusta, Jackson County, was originally from Pennsylvania. He stumped the county and was elected to the Convention, and cast his vote for secession.
1896, Robert Barr (writer), "The Shadow of the Greenback" in Revenge!:The loud-mouthed blowhard seemed just the man to flinch when real danger confronted him.
1941, "POLITICAL NOTES: Republican Rift?," Time, 17 Nov.:Oh, this bellowing, blatant, bellicose, belligerent, bombastic blowhard . . . .
2008, Jo-Ellan Dimitrius and Wendy Mazzarella, Reading People, ISBN 9780345504135, p. 137:In my profession, I have seen more than my share of blowhards who use volume to intimidate the weak, fool the feeble-minded, or control the insecure or lazy.
