Want to Use the Idiom 'Give Oneself Airs' in a Sentence?

The idiom "give oneself airs" is a phrase that is used to describe when someone behaves in a way that is arrogant or pretentious. It can also be used to describe when someone puts on a false sense of importance or superiority. The phrase is often used as a criticism of someone's behavior.

In terms of part of speech, "give oneself airs" is a verb phrase. It is made up of the verb "give" and the reflexive pronoun "oneself" indicating the subject of the verb is also the object. "Airs" is a noun referring to an affected or haughty manner.

"give oneself airs" meaning and sample sentences

The origin of the phrase is believed to be from the late 16th century, when it was used to describe the behavior of people who were trying to be seen as more important or wealthy than they actually were. They would put on a show of grandeur and affected manners, in order to give the impression that they were of a higher social class.

In terms of when to use the phrase, it is appropriate to use it when describing someone's behavior that is arrogant, pretentious, or overly self-important. It can also be used in situations where someone is putting on a false sense of superiority or trying to make themselves seem more important than they actually are.

Here are ten examples of how the idiom "give oneself airs" can be used in a sentence.

He always gives himself airs, acting like he's better than everyone else.
She gives herself airs by talking about her fancy car and designer clothes.
I can't stand people who give themselves airs and think they're better than others.
He's always giving himself airs by talking about his prestigious job.
She's always giving herself airs, pretending to be something she's not.
I don't understand why he feels the need to give himself airs and act so superior.
Don't let her fool you, she's just giving herself airs and doesn't actually have any money.
He's always giving himself airs by pretending to be knowledgeable about everything.
She's just giving herself airs, trying to make herself seem more important than she is.
I don't like people who give themselves airs and think they're better than others.

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