From The Spokesman-Review A Word A Day

MEANING:

adjective: Pompous; bombastic.

ETYMOLOGY:

Of uncertain origin, perhaps from high-fluting, from flute. Earliest documented use: 1839.

NOTES:

Highfalutin may or may not be high flute, but the flute’s cousin, oboe, is high wood. It’s a corruption of French haut (high) + bois (wood). The musical instrument is named owing to its having the highest register among woodwinds. An orchestra typically tunes to an oboe.