A dated and largely archaic slang phrase meaning to speak loudly, boisterously, or with excessive confidence — often implying the speaker is showing off or talking more than the situation warrants. Typically used in early 20th-century American slang. The connotation is mildly negative, suggesting someone who is blowing hot air. Rarely encountered in contemporary speech, though it may appear in period fiction or historical dialect writing.
The old-timer would air off at the bar every Friday night, retelling the same three stories to anyone who'd listen.
Add your own interpretation of "air off".
Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
See all Regional & Other slang on Slangora.
Browse all .
No comments yet — say something.
A dated slang phrasal verb meaning to speak loudly, boastfully, or at length without much concern for the audience. The air element suggests ventilating one's views into open space unchecked. Now largely obsolete in everyday speech, though the concept survives in the phrase airing grievances. Rarely used in contemporary conversation outside dialect or historical contexts. Not likely to be understood by most modern speakers without explanation.
He would air off about the landlord to anyone in earshot, whether they wanted to hear it or not.
No comments yet — say something.
(intransitive, slang, dated) To speak loudly.
No comments yet — say something.