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Puttin’ on Airs

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "puttin’ on airs" means acting fancy, superior, or pretentious. It’s often said when someone behaves as if they’re above their roots or station.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #Southern

synonyms: acting high and mighty, showing off, being pretentious
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've heard 'puttin’ on airs' all my life, and still do. 

Pronunciation

[PUH-tin awhn airs]

Meaning & Usage

- Acting Superior or Pretentious (verb phrase)

Minnie:
She’s been to college one semester and now she’s puttin’ on airs.
Burt:
She’ll be back to herself soon enough.
other spellings: putting on airs, puttin on airs
★ If someone accuses you of "puttin’ on airs," they’re usually reminding you to stay humble or act natural. ★

Origin

The expression comes from older British English, where "to put on airs" meant to adopt an affected manner. It entered American English in the 1700s and took deep root in the South and Appalachia, often used to criticize those who act "above their raisin’."

Notes

Still common in rural and Southern speech, though elsewhere it can sound old-fashioned. Often used by elders to call out someone acting snobbish or showing off.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "puttin’ on airs" literally involve air?
No. "Airs" here means affectations or mannerisms, not atmosphere.
Is this phrase still in use?
Yes. It’s less common in mainstream speech but alive and well in Southern/Appalachian communities.
Where does "puttin’ on airs" come from?
From British English "airs" (meaning pretensions or self-important behavior), which crossed the Atlantic and stayed vibrant in rural speech.
Can it be positive?
Not really - it’s almost always a gentle or sharp rebuke, meaning someone’s acting above their station.
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