# give oneself airs

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-oneself-airs
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To act pretentiously, or in a snobbish manner; to swagger.

## Examples

- He gives himself airs just because he bought a new car.
- She started giving herself airs after her promotion, acting as if she were better than her old friends.
- Despite his humble beginnings, he began to give himself airs, adopting an affected accent and distancing himself from his former colleagues.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.