What does “Dead air” mean?
"Dead air" means a period of silence or lack of sound on the radio or television.
What context can I use the in?
Example
There was a moment of dead air before the next song started playing.
Example
The host panicked when there was dead air during the live broadcast.
Example
The technician quickly fixed the issue of dead air on the radio station
Is “Dead air” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Dead air” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Dead air” effectively in context?
You can use "Dead air" to refer to a period of silence or lack of sound on the radio or television. It is often used in broadcasting contexts to describe an awkward or unexpected pause in the audio. For example, if there is a moment of silence during a live radio show, you might say, 'Oops, we had some dead air there.'
- 1Broadcasting
The host panicked when there was dead air during the live broadcast.
- 2Radio
The technician quickly fixed the issue of dead air on the radio station.
- 3Entertainment
There was a moment of dead air before the next song started playing.
Similar phrases to “Dead air”:
Absence of sound or noise
Example
The room fell into silence after the announcement.
State of being quiet or silent
Example
The library was filled with a sense of quietness.
Lack of sound or voice
Example
He pressed the mute button, and the TV went silent.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Dead air” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Dead air" is unknown.
Is “Dead air” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Dead air" is a common expression in everyday conversation, especially in broadcasting and entertainment contexts. People often use it to describe moments of silence or lack of sound in media.
What tone does “Dead air” have?
"Dead air" conveys a tone of awkwardness or unexpected pause. It is often used to describe situations where there is a break in the expected flow of audio.
Can “Dead air” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "dead air" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in broadcasting and entertainment industries, but it can also be used in casual conversations. You can use it with friends, colleagues, or even in professional settings to describe moments of silence or lack of sound.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'There was a moment of dead air before the next song started playing.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Oops, "dead air"!' to acknowledge a moment of silence or lack of sound.
