Dice
 
 
 
 
 
Next post.
Previous post.

Puttin’ on Airs

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "puttin’ on airs" (sometimes written "putting 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. 
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.
variations: 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 and Etymology

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’."

Usage 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

Related Pages

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.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Putting on Airs. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/putting-on-airs
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Putting on Airs." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/putting-on-airs.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Putting on Airs." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/putting-on-airs.
advertisement...
Most Popular
Latest Accents
Latest Sayings
Latest Words
About
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
Slang, folklore, culture, and accent vary from place to place, even ridge to ridge - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use • Privacy Policy
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home