Give airs Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡɪv/ /ˈɛɹz
GIV AIRZ
ɡˈɪv/ /ˈeəz
giv AIRZ
Definition
To act as if you are more important or superior than other people, usually in an arrogant or pretentious way.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal, slightly old-fashioned expression. It often appears as 'give yourself airs' or 'give (someone) airs.' Usually used to criticize someone acting above their social status. Not the same as 'give air' (let air in/out). Similar to 'put on airs.'
Spanish: presumir - darse aires - hacerse el importantePortuguese (BR): se achar - bancar o importante - dar-se aresPortuguese (PT): armar-se em importante - pôr-se em bicos de pésChinese (Simplified): 摆架子 - 装腔作势Chinese (Traditional): 擺架子 - 裝腔作勢Hindi: घमंड दिखाना - अकड़ दिखानाArabic: يتصنع التكبر - يتعامل بتعاليBengali: গরিমা দেখানো - ঢং করাRussian: важничать - строить из себяJapanese: 偉そうにする - 気取るVietnamese: làm ra vẻ - tỏ vẻ ta đâyKorean: 거들먹거리다 - 잘난 척하다Turkish: hava atmak - kendini önemli göstermekUrdu: تکبر دکھانا - اپنے آپ کو بڑا ظاہر کرناIndonesian: bersikap sombong - sok penting
Example Sentences
He likes to give airs around his friends.
basic
Don't give airs just because you won.
basic
She started to give airs after her promotion.
basic
People don't really like it when you give airs at parties.
natural
Ever since he got that new job, he’s been giving airs all the time.
natural
I wish you’d stop giving airs and just relax with us.
natural