In Appalachian and Southern speech, "highfalutin’" means pretentious, fancy, or putting on airs. It’s a playful way of cutting down somebody who’s acting like they’re better than the rest.
Any time somebody's actin' better'n you, somebody down here might call 'em highfalutin’.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Any time somebody's actin' better'n you, somebody down here might call 'em highfalutin’.
Pronunciation
[HIGH-fuh-loo-tin]
Meaning & Usage
- Pretentious or showy (adjective)
At a family dinner
Mae:
Why’d you bring caviar?
Earl:
Figured I’d be a little highfalutin’ tonight.
- Acting superior (adjective, figurative)
Talking about neighbors
Mae:
They got that new house and been a touch highfalutin’ ever since.
variations: highfaluting
★ Calling someone "highfalutin’" is more teasing than cruel. It keeps pride in check with a wink, not a fight. ★
Origin and Etymology
First appeared in the early 1800s in American English, likely from the word "falute" or "flute," meaning pomp or showiness. It stuck strongest in Southern and Appalachian speech.
Usage Notes
Still used today, often with humor. Works best in storytelling, joking with friends, or pointing out when somebody’s acting a little too fancy.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "high-fuh-loo-tin." The dropped "g" keeps it Southern: "highfalutin’."
It can be, but it’s usually lighthearted, not mean-spirited.
Do people outside the South use it?
Yes - it’s known nationwide, though it sounds more natural in Southern or rural voices.
Can it be used for things as well as people?
Yes - a "highfalutin’ restaurant" or "highfalutin’ language" both fit.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Highfalutin. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/highfalutin
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Highfalutin." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/highfalutin.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Highfalutin." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/highfalutin.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
Any time somebody's actin' better'n you, somebody down here might call 'em highfalutin’. 
