air quote
A typically two-handed gesture resembling quotation marks, indicating that the…A typically two-handed gesture resembling quotation marks, indicating that the gesturer is speaking ironically or using unusual terminology.
» He realized she was being sarcastic when she flexed her fingers for flamboyant air quotes.
Meaning
2 senses(usually plural)A typically two-handed gesture resembling quotation marks, indicating that the gesturer is speaking ironically or using unusual terminology.
(broadly, usually plural)An emphatic tone of voice used to indicate a euphemism, or displeasure with a false or inaccurate phrase being quoted.
"So you were out with 'the boys'," she said vexedly, putting air quotes around the last two words.
Examples
1 sentencesHe realized she was being sarcastic when she flexed her fingers for flamboyant air quotes.
Translations
4 languagesForms
plural: air quotes| Singular | air quote |
|---|---|
| Plural | air quotes |
regular