put on airs

USAGE SUMMARY

"put on airs" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is pretentious and trying to make an impression. Example: She put on airs at the party, but everyone knew she was just trying to fit in.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Despite the wealth and prestige Mrs. Sanford brought to her marriage, friends say she was not one to put on airs.

The New York Times

No one is trying to put on airs or trying to establish that he or she is more fashion forward than anyone else.

The New York Times

"Why put on airs?

The New York Times

He doesn't put on airs.

The New York Times

"So let's not put on airs.

The New York Times

You didn't want to put on airs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Select tweets from fans following along will be put on air.

TechCrunch

Though there is not much social crossover, relations are generally friendly, and no one is putting on airs.

The New York Times - Travel

My mother neither cowers nor puts on airs.

The New Yorker

Social science is little more than observation putting on airs.

The Washington Post

He is not putting on airs about moving Woods aside.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put on airs" to describe someone who is trying to appear more important or sophisticated than they really are. This idiom is most effective when highlighting the contrast between the person's actual nature and their affected persona.

Common error

Don't use "put on airs" simply to describe someone who is confident or successful. The phrase implies a deliberate attempt to deceive or impress through pretentious behavior, not genuine achievement.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "put on airs" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, indicating it describes the act of behaving pretentiously or assuming a superior attitude. The expression is used to criticize or mock someone's behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put on airs" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is behaving pretentiously or trying to appear more important than they actually are. As Ludwig confirms, it is most often used in news media, arts-related content, and general conversation. The phrase carries a slightly negative connotation, implying insincerity. Related phrases include "act superior" and "be pretentious". When using this phrase, be sure to accurately portray the intended nuance of affected superiority rather than simple confidence. Avoiding this pitfall will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume airs

Similar to "put on airs", but uses "assume" which means to take on or adopt.

act superior

Focuses on the behavior of acting in a superior manner, without necessarily implying pretense.

be pretentious

Highlights the quality of pretentiousness, a core component of putting on airs.

give oneself airs

Emphasizes that the person is the one initiating the pretentious behavior.

affect superiority

Uses "affect" to emphasize the artificiality of the displayed superiority.

act like a snob

Directly labels the behavior as snobbish, a common consequence of putting on airs.

behave affectedly

Emphasizes the artificial and unnatural nature of the behavior.

try to impress

Focuses on the motivation behind putting on airs which is to impress others.

put on a false front

Highlights the deceptive aspect of trying to appear better than one is.

flaunt status

Emphasizes the act of showing off one's status or possessions.

FAQs

How can I use "put on airs" in a sentence?

You can use "put on airs" to describe someone behaving pretentiously. For example, "She started to "act superior" as soon as she got the promotion and began to "put on airs" at company events."

What's a good substitute for "put on airs"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "be pretentious", "assume airs", or "affect superiority". Each highlights a slightly different aspect of the behavior.

Is it ever appropriate to "put on airs"?

The phrase "put on airs" generally carries a negative connotation, implying insincerity and pretension. Therefore, it's rarely seen as appropriate behavior.

What is the difference between "put on airs" and simply being confident?

"Put on airs" implies an artificial display of superiority or sophistication, often to impress others. Being confident, on the other hand, is a genuine expression of self-assurance based on real abilities or accomplishments, without the need for pretense.