air hostess: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (declining)Informal, somewhat dated
Quick answer
What does “air hostess” mean?
A female flight attendant responsible for passenger safety and comfort on an aircraft.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female flight attendant responsible for passenger safety and comfort on an aircraft.
Historically, the term specifically referred to a female cabin crew member, often emphasizing hospitality and service roles. In modern usage, it is largely superseded by gender-neutral terms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term was historically more common in British English. In American English, 'stewardess' was the traditional equivalent, but both are now largely replaced by 'flight attendant'.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term now sounds old-fashioned and can be perceived as sexist or demeaning, implying the role is primarily for women and focused on service rather than safety.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary professional or formal contexts in both regions. May still be encountered in historical contexts or among older speakers.
Grammar
How to Use “air hostess” in a Sentence
She was an air hostess for British Airways.The air hostess demonstrated the safety procedures.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Avoided in modern corporate communications and job descriptions in favor of gender-neutral terms.
Academic
Used primarily in historical, sociological, or gender studies contexts discussing evolving workplace terminology.
Everyday
Rare; may be used by older generations or in nostalgic conversation. Generally considered outdated.
Technical
Not used in official aviation manuals or safety protocols; 'cabin crew' or 'flight attendant' is standard.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “air hostess”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “air hostess”
- Using 'air hostess' in a contemporary professional context.
- Assuming it is the standard modern term.
- Using it to refer to a male flight attendant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered outdated and potentially offensive. The standard, gender-neutral term is 'flight attendant' or 'cabin crew member'.
'Air hostess' was the common term in British English, while 'stewardess' was its American English counterpart. Both are now obsolete in professional contexts, replaced by 'flight attendant'.
No, the term is inherently feminine. Historically, male cabin crew were called 'stewards' or 'flight stewards'. Today, 'flight attendant' applies to all genders.
The shift gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, driven by the women's rights movement and a desire for more professional, gender-neutral job titles in the aviation industry.
A female flight attendant responsible for passenger safety and comfort on an aircraft.
Air hostess is usually informal, somewhat dated in register.
Air hostess: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeə ˌhəʊ.stəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈer ˌhoʊ.stəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'hostess' as a female host in the 'air' – a dated image of hospitality in the skies.
Conceptual Metaphor
SKY IS A HOME / AIRCRAFT IS A HOME: The hostess metaphor frames the aircraft cabin as a domestic space where she 'hosts' guests (passengers).
Practice
Quiz
Why is the term 'air hostess' considered problematic in modern English?