Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: "Bloviate" (November 21, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski explores the word "bloviate"—delving into its meaning, historical usage, and etymology. The concise segment provides listeners with both the definition and an interesting backstory about the word's association with President Warren G. Harding.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Usage

• Definition:
  "Bloviate" is a verb meaning "to speak or write in an arrogant tone and with more words than are necessary."
  [00:42]

• Contemporary Usage Example:
  Quoting from Kristi Puchko for mashable.com:

  "While other characters bloviate about their lives, Barbara is a much more internal character, her quietness making her seem all the more an outsider in her hometown." — [00:52]

2. Historical Context

• Warren G. Harding’s Connection:
  The word is frequently associated with the 29th U.S. president, Warren G. Harding (1921–1923). Sokolowski notes:

  "Warren G. Harding is often linked to the word bloviate, but to him it isn't insulting. It simply meant to spend time idly. Harding used the word often in that hanging around sense, but during his tenure… he became associated with the verbose sense of bloviate, as his speeches tended to be on the long winded side." — [01:07–01:35]

• Harding’s Relationship with the Term:
  While sometimes credited with inventing the word, it is more likely Harding adopted it from Ohioan slang during his youth in the late 1800s.
  — [01:36]

3. Etymology

• The term likely combines "blow" (as in hot air or speaking at length) with the Latin-derived suffix "-ate". — [01:49]

Notable Quotes

• On the Modern Sense of "Bloviate":

  "To bloviate is to speak or write in an arrogant tone and with more words than are necessary." — Peter Sokolowski [00:44]

• On Harding’s Usage:

  "To him it isn't insulting. It simply meant to spend time idly." — Peter Sokolowski [01:13]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:42] — Introduction of "bloviate," spelling, and definition
• [00:52] — Example sentence in context
• [01:07] — Harding’s historical use and association
• [01:49] — Etymological explanation
• [02:08] — Sign-off to visit merriamwebster.com

Episode Tone & Style

The episode is educational and direct, characteristic of Peter Sokolowski’s approachable and clear delivery. The tone is inviting and concise, making the word and its story accessible and memorable for a broad audience.

Summary

This brief episode not only defines "bloviate" but enriches listeners with its lively etymology and a historical anecdote involving President Harding. The combination of linguistic facts and cultural tidbits makes the word memorable and encourages listeners to notice (and perhaps avoid) bloviation in daily life.