のたまう

godan verb (-u), transitive verb

to say (honorific); to deign to say

Originally a respectful verb for a superior's speech; in modern Japanese it is often used sarcastically or humorously to mock someone's pompous or self-important way of speaking. The reading のたもう is an older form.

• 社しゃ長ちょうが「今年ことしはボーナスを出だす」とのたまった。

  The company president deigned to say, 'We'll give out bonuses this year.'

• 彼かれは「自じ分ぶんは天てん才さいだ」とのたまう。

  He has the nerve to say, 'I'm a genius.'