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Air Quotes

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1. Home
2. Americanisms
3. Air Quotes

Air Quotes

Have you ever seen your American colleagues make “bunny ears” with their fingers when they are talking? That is called “Air Quotes” — they are made by curling the first two fingers of your hand, at your eye level, just like rabbit ears. This sign means that you are quoting someone’s statements. However, air quotes are often used to convey your sarcasm and satire about what is being quoted.

“As an international student, I have seen this used a few times; the first time I saw it, I thought my friend was trying to pretend to be ‘cute’ like a bunny. I was very confused.”

~ Soyoung, ISO Grad Fellow

Related links:

• When Do You Use “Quotation Marks”?
• Some Common American Hand Gestures

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