Bobadilish

/ˌbɑbəˈdɪlɪʃ/ adjective

Definition

Resembling or characteristic of bravado or exaggerated boasting; given to tall tales and empty bragging.

Etymology

From bobadil (a boastful character from Ben Jonson's play 'Every Man in His Humour,' 1598) + -ish suffix. The character's name became synonymous with vain boasting in English. The -ish suffix indicates resemblance or tendency.

Kelly Says

Captain Bobadill was so famous for bragging about nonexistent battles that his name actually entered the English language as a descriptor for phonies! It's one of the few times a fictional character's name became a common word to describe annoying behavior.

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