Put on airs: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Put on airs” mean?

"Put on airs" means to act in a way that makes you seem more important or better than you really are.

What context can I use the in?

Example

She always puts on airs when she's around important people.

Example

He's just a regular guy, but he likes to put on airs and act like he's a celebrity.

Example

Don't put on airs with me - I know who you really are

Is “Put on airs” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Put on airs” 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 “Put on airs” effectively in context?

You can use "Put on airs" to describe someone who is pretending to be more important or better than they actually are. It implies that the person is acting in a way that is not genuine or authentic. For example, if someone is acting snobbish or arrogant, you might say, 'She always puts on airs when she's around important people.'

• 1. Social Settings

  He's just a regular guy, but he likes to put on airs and act like he's a celebrity.

• 2. Calling Out Pretentiousness

  Don't put on airs with me - I know who you really are.

• 3. Observing Inauthenticity

  She always puts on airs and tries to impress others, but it's clear that she's not being genuine.

Similar phrases to “Put on airs”:

Act high and mighty

To behave arrogantly or superiorly

Example

He always acts high and mighty, as if he knows everything.

Play the part

To pretend to be someone or something that one is not

Example

She played the part of a wealthy socialite, but in reality, she was broke.

Put up a front

To create a false appearance or image

Example

He puts up a front of being confident, but deep down, he's insecure.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Put on airs” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Put on airs" is unknown.

Is “Put on airs” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Put on airs" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who is trying to appear more important or superior than they actually are.

What tone does “Put on airs” have?

"Put on airs" conveys a tone of criticism or disapproval. It is often used to call out someone's pretentious behavior or to express frustration with someone who is not being genuine.

Can “Put on airs” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "put on airs" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various social contexts to describe someone's behavior. However, it is more commonly used in informal conversations among friends, family, or colleagues.

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, 'She always puts on airs and acts like she's better than everyone else.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "put on airs"!' to imply someone is about to act pretentiously.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• pretend
• feign
• impersonate
• pose
• masquerade

Antonyms

• be genuine
• be authentic
• be humble
• be down-to-earth
• be oneself