How to Say "windbag" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “windbag” is “fantasma” — B2 level.
Examples
No le hagas caso, solo es un fantasma que habla mucho pero no hace nada.
Don't pay attention to him, he's just a show-off who talks a lot but doesn't do anything.
Pensé que era millonario, pero resultó ser un fantasma.
I thought he was a millionaire, but he turned out to be a phony.
Referring to People
When used for a person, 'fantasma' usually keeps the masculine article 'el' even if referring to a woman (Elisa es un fantasma). This usage is very common in Spain.
Confusing literal and figurative use
Mistake: “El jefe es muy fantasma (meaning: The boss is very ghostly).”
Correction: El jefe es muy presumido/un fantasma (meaning: The boss is very conceited/a show-off). Use 'un fantasma' or switch to an adjective like 'presumido'.
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