Understanding the Verb 'Bloviate'

In the daily linguistic exploration for November 21st, Peter Sokolowski highlights the term 'bloviate' (spelled B-L-O-V-I-A-T-E). As a verb, it carries a distinct, often critical connotation in modern usage, describing the act of someone who chooses to "speak or write in an arrogant tone and with more words than are necessary."

Contextualizing the Term

To better understand how this word functions in contemporary writing, Sokolowski references a piece from Mashable.com by Christy Puchko. In the example provided, the author contrasts a quiet, internal character with others who "bloviate about their lives." This usage perfectly illustrates the verb's negative implication regarding verbosity and self-importance, positioning the "bloviating" characters as the antithesis to the more reserved, introspective nature of the character Barbara.

The Warren G. Harding Connection

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the word 'bloviate' is its historical entanglement with the 29th U.S. President, Warren G. Harding. While the word is often used as an insult today, Harding’s personal relationship with the term was quite different. For him, the word was not pejorative; rather, it was meant to describe the act of spending "time idly." During his youth in Ohio in the late 1800s, Harding frequently utilized the term in this casual, "hanging around" sense while socializing with his "boyhood buddies."

However, the perception of the word shifted significantly during his presidency from 1921 to 1923. Because Harding’s public speeches "tended to be on the long-winded side," he became inextricably linked to the modern, derogatory definition of the word. The public began to associate his verbose delivery with the term, cementing its evolution from local slang into a descriptor for pompous, excessive speech.

Etymology and Origins

While some historical accounts have falsely credited Warren G. Harding with coining the term, Sokolowski clarifies that it is far more likely that Harding merely popularized a piece of existing regional slang. Linguistically, the term is believed to be derived from a combination of the word "blow"—often associated with hot air or empty talk—and the suffix "-ate." This construction effectively captures the essence of the word: the act of "blowing" or speaking with unnecessary weight and arrogance.

Ultimately, 'bloviate' serves as a prime example of how language evolves. What began as a colloquialism for idling away one's time in Ohio transformed into a sharp, critical tool used to critique those who prioritize volume and ego over substance.