air kiss: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, journalistic, fashion/social commentary.
Quick answer
What does “air kiss” mean?
A greeting or farewell gesture in which one person kisses the air near another person's cheek, without making physical contact.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A greeting or farewell gesture in which one person kisses the air near another person's cheek, without making physical contact.
A gesture symbolic of affection, often used in social or professional contexts where intimacy is performed but not genuine; can imply superficiality, glamour, or social pretense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and understanding are nearly identical. The gesture and term are equally recognized in both cultures, often associated with similar social spheres (film premieres, fashion weeks).
Connotations
Both share connotations of affectation, glamour, and superficial social interaction. In British usage, it might be associated more sharply with class-conscious social rituals.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK media/tabloid discourse, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “air kiss” in a Sentence
[Subject] air-kisses [Indirect Object] (on the cheek)[Subject] exchanges air kisses with [Co-Agent][Subject] gives [Indirect Object] an air kissVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “air kiss” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The guests air-kissed as they arrived at the film premiere.
- She's not one to air-kiss; a firm handshake is more her style.
American English
- The celebrities air-kissed for the photographers on the red carpet.
- They air-kiss hello but never have a real conversation.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used. Conceptual: 'They greeted each other air-kissingly.')
American English
- (Rarely used. Conceptual: 'She smiled air-kissingly across the room.')
adjective
British English
- The event was full of air-kiss diplomacy and shallow chatter.
- He gave her an air-kiss greeting.
American English
- It was a typical air-kiss Hollywood party.
- She received an air-kiss welcome from the host.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in media/PR/fashion industries to describe superficial networking.
Academic
Virtually never used; potentially in cultural studies analyzing social rituals.
Everyday
Used descriptively to comment on social situations perceived as pretentious or glamorous.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “air kiss”
- Using it to mean a 'blown kiss' sent from a distance (a different gesture).
- Spelling as one word: 'airkiss' (standard is two words or hyphenated verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'blown kiss' is a gesture of genuine affection sent from a distance (often with palm kissed then hand extended). An 'air kiss' is a simulated cheek-to-cheek kiss performed near someone's face, often as a social formality.
Yes, commonly as a hyphenated verb: 'to air-kiss'. E.g., 'They air-kissed hello.'
The gesture itself is found in many cultures (e.g., France, Italy) as a real cheek kiss. The English term 'air kiss' specifically describes a non-contact version, particularly associated with Anglo-American celebrity and high-society events where hygiene or pretense is a factor.
It often carries a slightly negative or ironic connotation, implying a lack of genuine feeling, affectation, or social pretence. However, in descriptive contexts (e.g., fashion journalism), it can be neutral.
A greeting or farewell gesture in which one person kisses the air near another person's cheek, without making physical contact.
Air kiss is usually informal, journalistic, fashion/social commentary. in register.
Air kiss: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeə kɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛr kɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Air-kiss one's way through the crowd”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AIR' you actually kissing? No, you're kissing the AIR near their face.'
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFECTION IS A COMMODITY (performed, exchanged without real substance). SUPERFICIALITY IS A LACK OF CONTACT.
Practice
Quiz
What does an 'air kiss' most strongly imply in a social context?