air quotes

plural noun

1. a gesture in which two fingers of each hand draw quotation marks in the air, used when uttering a word or phrase one does not think is appropriate or accurate. Compare scare quotes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of air quotes¹

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

“Like, how can I be an ‘expert’ — and I say that with heavy, heavy air quotes — and still be struggling in this way?”

From New York Times

She made mocking air quotes with her fingers as she spoke the last word.

From Literature

“Josie stepped out of line all the time, and they never sent her away. She was a bad influence on Max”—Ivy put “bad influence” in air quotes—“and the teacher never stopped her from laughing too loud or shouting out ‘Ooo, this is so great!

From Literature

He continued, “I’ve been in this business for 32 years. I know what hard work is. So, when I heard those reports” — The Independent noted Domingo paired “reports” with air quotes — “I thought, ‘Where is this coming from?

From Los Angeles Times

My fingers made air quotes for added emphasis, exactly as my mom had done.

From Literature