air quotes
Sarcastic hand gesture
Air quotes are a gesture—raising both hands and curling the index and middle fingers twice—to signal that a word or phrase is being used ironically, skeptically, or with special emphasis.
The gesture mimics quotation marks in writing: He called it a "business meeting" becomes, with air quotes, a suggestion that the meeting was something else entirely.
Often conveys sarcasm or distancing: She's very "busy" these days.
Labeled with skepticism
- allegedClaimed but unproven
- supposedAssumed to be true
- dubiousOf uncertain reliability
- questionableOf uncertain validity
doubtful · suspicious · incredulity · disbelief · distrust · suspicion · uncertainty · challenge
Sneaky photo gesture
- hand gestureMotion made with fingers
- nonverbalNot using speech
- body languageUnspoken physical expression
- signalingConveying information nonverbally
gesticulation · mimicry · finger movement · framing · indicating · expression · communication
Contemptuous mockery
- ridiculeContemptuous mocking treatment
- scornHostile dismissive feeling
- contemptDisdainful disregard
- sneerScornful expression
taunt · disdain · tease · scoff · belittle · dismissive · condescension · disparagement
so-called
Labeled with skepticism
questionable · doubtful · suspicious · incredulity · disbelief · distrust · suspicion · uncertainty · challenge · dispute
bunny ears
Sneaky photo gesture
- hand gestureMotion made with fingers
- nonverbalNot using speech
- body languageUnspoken physical expression
signaling · gesticulation · mimicry · finger movement · framing · indicating · expression · communication
derision
Contemptuous mockery
sneer · taunt · disdain · tease · scoff · belittle · dismissive · condescension · disparagement · tongue-in-cheek
- Charadesacting, miming, gestures, pantomime, guessing
- mockerymockery, ridiculing, jeers, jeering, jibes
- Quotingdirect quote, closing quote, inverted commas, speech marks, quote marks
- Ironic Trendsvintage tees, ugly sweaters, fanny packs, normcore, ironic detachment
- gesturesgesture, hand gestures, applause, hand raise, tap on shoulder
- witwit, witticism, quip, cleverness, repartee
air quotesstraight talk
Honest, direct communication
literal meaning · plain speech · taking at face value · heartfelt words · face value
air, airs, airing, quotation, aired, quoted, quoting, quotes, airiness