Nov 5, 2025 highfalutin ˌhī-fə-ˈlü-tᵊn 4 syllables rare ‹ adjective. pretentious, fancy highfalutin peoplegiving a highfalutin speech adjective. expressed in or marked by the use of language that is elaborated or heightened by artificial or empty means: pompous › Origin perhaps from + alteration of fluting, present participle of flute.