airs

British  

/ ɛəz /

plural noun

1. affected manners intended to impress others (esp in the phrases give oneself airs, put on airs )

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Explanation

To have airs is to be condescending or arrogant — in other words, to act like you think you're better than other people. If you put on airs, you'll find it hard to make friends. It's most common to find the word airs in the phrase "to put on airs." This basically means to act snobbish or stuck up. Someone who puts on airs is extremely annoying to everyone around him, clearly pretentious and mannered in his attitude. The phrase has been around since the 1780s, and it comes from the French air, "look, appearance, bearing, or tone."

Example Sentences

But for history buffs and musical enthusiasts alike, a sonically richer version filled with sound effects of the musical airs exclusively on Audible today, April 16.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

At the bottom, it said, ‘Oh, by the way, it airs tonight.’

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

There are no plans for the show to return after the newest season of I Kissed A Girl airs on BBC Three, the BBC statement added.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Portrayed in youth by Grady Wilson, he grows up middle class in New Jersey as his mother resolves to raise him with the airs and graces of the gentry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

No one notices me, though, because they’re all gathered at a television screen at the far end of the room that airs the Capitol broadcast around the clock.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins