Air quotes, also called fingerquotes or Ersatz quotes (pronounced /ˈɛrzɑts/) refers to using one's fingers to make virtual quotation marks in the air when speaking. This is typically done with both hands held shoulder-width apart and at the eye level of the speaker, with the index and middle fingers on each hand forming a V sign and then flexing at the beginning and end of the phrase being quoted.[1] The air-quoted phrase is generally very short — a few words at most — in common usage, though sometimes much longer phrases may be used for comic effect.
While the term "air quotes" did not appear until 1989, use of similar gestures has been recorded as early as 1927.[1] A single handed quote is an equivalent, though less dramatic variation. This became very popular since the 1990s.[citation needed]
Air quotes are often used to express satire, sarcasm, irony or euphemism. In print, scare quotes fill a similar purpose.
References
- ^ a b Martin, Gary. "Air quotes". The Phrase Finder. http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/air-quotes.html. Retrieved 18 November 2008.
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