1 air quotes | Definition of air quotes
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air quotes

plural noun

Definition of air quotes

: a gesture made by raising and flexing the index and middle fingers of both hands that is used to call attention to a spoken word or expression

Examples of air quotes in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Yup, that’s very much a use of air quotes in text, just like Chris Farley’s Brauer character from Saturday Night Live. — Charles Curtis, For The Win, "NFLPA rips new anthem 'policy' with scathing use of quote marks," 23 May 2018 Both new and past models do share the unmistakable Off-White orange pull tab and literal air quotes printed on the heel. — Jake Woolf, GQ, "Your Nike x Off-White VaporMax 2018 Buying Guide," 28 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'air quotes.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of air quotes

1989, in the meaning defined above

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