Re: High Falutin

Posted by ESC on November 04, 1999

In Reply to: Re: High Falutin posted by Bob on November 03, 1999

: : I am curious as to the origin and true meaning of this phrase. My ancestors were from the Appalachian mountains of the US and used this as a vaguely derisive description of self importance or uppitiness. I have always assumed that it is a corruption of "high fluting" meaning classical music which these hill people may have considered as pretentious.

: Self-important, yes, but especially with regard to pompous, stilted language and high-flown oratory. The origin is the Dutch word verlooten, meaning stilted.

Talking big and acting rich. Putting on the dog. Getting above their raisin'.