CEFR C2

puffery

noun

Meaning

Exaggerated or hyperbolic claims made in advertising that are not intended to be taken as literal fact by reasonable consumers.

Examples

  • The company defended its slogan as legal puffery rather than a deceptive trade practice.
  • Courts often distinguish between actionable false advertising and mere puffery that no sane buyer would believe.

Synonyms: hype, exaggeration, hyperbole, embellishment