Put on Heirs vs. Put on Airs – Which is Correct?
When deciding between “put on heirs” and “put on airs,” the correct idiomatic phrase is “put on airs.” This expression means to act superior, pretentious, or conceited. “Put on heirs” is a common mishearing or misspelling, likely due to phonetic similarity, and is not a recognized English idiom or phrase.
Put on Heirs or Put on Airs – Which is Correct?
The phrase you’re looking for is “put on airs.” This well-established idiom describes someone who acts in a superior, affected, or pretentious manner to impress others or to suggest a higher social standing than they possess. “Put on heirs” is an incorrect variant, almost certainly stemming from a phonetic confusion between “airs” and “heirs.” While one can “have heirs” (successors) or “be an heir,” the combination “put on heirs” carries no idiomatic meaning in English.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the correct phrase, think of someone who is “full of themselves” or “puffed up.” They are projecting an image, like an “air” of superiority, not inheriting anything. You “put on” a show or an appearance, which aligns with “airs.”
Consider the phrase: “They act like they’re better than everyone else, always putting on airs.” The word “airs” here refers to an affected manner or appearance. You wouldn’t “put on” a person who inherits something.
| Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Put on Airs | Idiomatic Verb Phrase | To act superior, pretentious, or conceited. To behave as though one is more important or sophisticated than one truly is. | Ever since she got that promotion, she’s been putting on airs with her old colleagues. |
| Put on Heirs | Incorrect / Non-Standard | This phrase has no recognized idiomatic meaning in English and is considered incorrect. | (Incorrect usage) She tried to put on heirs, but everyone saw through her act. |
How to Use Put on Airs
The idiom “put on airs” is used to describe someone who adopts an affected manner or attitude, often to appear more important, sophisticated, or wealthy than they are. It implies a sense of artificiality or pretense. The phrase is generally used informally and carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the person’s behavior is insincere and off-putting. It can be applied to individuals, groups, or even institutions that project an exaggerated sense of self-importance.
Example 1: After winning the lottery, he started putting on airs, buying designer clothes and refusing to speak to his old friends.
Example 2: Don’t put on airs just because you went to an expensive university; humility is a far more admirable trait.
Example 3: The new restaurant tries to put on airs with its tiny portions and exorbitant prices, but the food isn’t even that good.
What are the different forms of Put on Airs?
As “put on airs” is an idiomatic phrase centered around the verb “put,” its forms primarily reflect the conjugation of “put.” “Put” is an irregular verb, meaning its past tense and past participle forms do not follow the standard “-ed” ending. The noun “airs” remains constant.
- Present Tense: I put on airs, you put on airs, he/she/it puts on airs, we put on airs, they put on airs.
- Past Tense: I put on airs, you put on airs, he/she/it put on airs, we put on airs, they put on airs.
- Present Participle (continuous): putting on airs (e.g., He is putting on airs.)
- Past Participle: put on airs (e.g., She has put on airs ever since her promotion.)
Etymology of the word Put on Airs
The idiom “put on airs” has roots stretching back to the 17th century. The word “air” in this context refers not to the atmosphere, but to a person’s outward manner, appearance, or demeanor. This usage of “air” dates to the 1580s, derived from the French air, meaning “appearance, look, manner, bearing.” To “put on” something implies adopting or assuming it. Thus, to “put on airs” literally means to adopt a particular (often affected) manner or appearance, specifically one of superiority or pretentiousness. The plural “airs” emphasizes a collection of such affected behaviors.
Related Concepts
Understanding a few broader linguistic concepts can help clarify why “put on airs” is correct and “put on heirs” is not.
- Idioms: Idioms are phrases or expressions where the meaning isn’t obvious from the individual words. “Put on airs” is a classic idiom; you can’t deduce its meaning of acting superior by just knowing “put,” “on,” and “airs.” Such phrases must be learned as a whole.
- Homophones: Homophones are words that sound alike but have different meanings and often different spellings (e.g., “to,” “too,” and “two”). “Airs” and “heirs” are homophones, which is the primary reason for the confusion leading to the incorrect “put on heirs.”
Examples from Media and Literature
Here are a few examples showcasing the correct usage of “put on airs” in various contexts:
- In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, characters like Lady Catherine de Bourgh are often described as putting on airs, displaying their supposed superiority.
- A character in a contemporary novel might remark, “He’s always putting on airs since he moved to the city, forgetting his humble beginnings.”
- A news article discussing celebrity behavior could state, “Despite their immense wealth, some stars prefer to remain grounded rather than put on airs.”
- During a political debate, a commentator might criticize a candidate: “She tried to put on airs of intellectual superiority, but her arguments lacked substance.”
- A parent might advise their child, “Don’t put on airs at your new school; just be yourself and make genuine friends.”
Put on Airs Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Act superior | To behave as if one is better than others. |
| Be pretentious | Claiming or affecting a status, quality, or culture that one does not possess. |
| Be conceited | Excessively proud of oneself; vain. |
| Show off | To display one’s abilities or possessions ostentatiously in order to impress others. |
| Swank | To behave or speak in an ostentatiously showy manner. |
| Pose | To assume a particular attitude or position, especially for effect or in pretense. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What does “put on airs” truly mean?
“Put on airs” means to behave in a way that suggests you are more important, sophisticated, or high-class than you actually are. It’s a derogatory phrase implying pretense and artificiality.
Question 2: Is “put on heirs” ever correct?
No, “put on heirs” is never correct as an idiom. It is a common error stemming from phonetic similarity with “put on airs.” While one can “have heirs” or “be an heir,” the phrase “put on heirs” carries no recognized meaning.
Question 3: How can I avoid confusing “airs” and “heirs”?
Remember that “airs” in this idiom refers to an affected manner or appearance (like putting on a show), while “heirs” refers to people who inherit property or titles. Think of someone “acting superior” or “puffed up” – they are giving off an “air” of importance, not inheriting anything. The “h” sound in “heirs” is the key difference when speaking, but when writing, understanding the meaning is crucial.
Conclusion
Navigating the nuances of English idioms can be tricky, but distinguishing between “put on airs” and “put on heirs” is straightforward once you understand the core meaning. The only correct phrase is “put on airs,” referring to the act of behaving pretentiously or conceitedly. “Put on heirs” is a common phonetic misstep with no idiomatic standing.
Pro Tip: Using the correct idiom not only ensures clarity but also reinforces your command of the English language. Avoiding common errors like “put on heirs” contributes to a polished and professional communication style, enhancing your credibility in both written and spoken contexts.
