puffery

[ puhf-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural puff·er·ies.

1. undue or exaggerated praise.
2. publicity, acclaim, etc., that is full of undue or exaggerated praise.

puffery

/ ˈpʌfərɪ /

noun

1. informal.
   exaggerated praise, esp in publicity or advertising

Word History and Origins

Origin of puffery¹

First recorded in 1730–35; puff (in the sense “to praise with exaggeration”) + -ery

Example Sentences

This outrageous fiction builds on decades of GOP puffery and media complicity.

From Salon

It’s now disconcerting that Biden and his advocates so often lapse into puffery as to his true political situation.

From Salon

The film was not a work of puffery; it also offered critical perspectives.

From New York Times

Trump’s penchant for puffery is sure to come up on Monday.

From Seattle Times

Customers are expected to be smart enough to recognise that ads will often contain a certain amount of "puffery".

From BBC