airing someone

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/ˈɛərɪŋ ˈsʌmwʌn/
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A phrase that can mean either to deliberately ignore someone's messages, especially online, or to make private information about a person public.

Examples

  • They keep airing me whenever I post a story.
  • The documentary airing someone's private life without consent caused outrage.
  • She accused the magazine of airing someone's secrets.
  • His memoir airing someone's hidden affairs surprised the family.
  • By airing someone's story, the podcast drew many listeners.

Similar words

ghost
ignore
snub
expose
cold shoulder
publicize
broadcast
unveil
disclose
reveal

Meanings

Ignore messages online

technology
informal
To deliberately not respond to someone's messages or attempts at contact, especially in digital chat.

Examples

  • She airing me after I sent that meme.
  • He aired me for weeks before finally replying.
  • They keep airing me whenever I post a story.
  • I felt ignored when she aired my messages.
  • Why are you airing me? I just asked a question.
  • The group aired me after I changed the plan.
  • My friend airing me on Snapchat, so I stopped texting.

Similar words

Make private information public

media
neutral
To publicly reveal or discuss a person's private matters, often in a way that draws attention.

Examples

  • The tabloid airing someone's scandal made headlines.
  • The documentary airing someone's private life without consent caused outrage.
  • She accused the magazine of airing someone's secrets.
  • The interview airing someone's past mistakes sparked debate.
  • By airing someone's story, the podcast drew many listeners.
  • The court warned against airing someone's testimony publicly.
  • His memoir airing someone's hidden affairs surprised the family.

Similar words

Etymology

From the verb air meaning to expose to air (c. 1600), the slang sense of ignoring someone emerged in British online culture in the 2010s and spread through TikTok.

FAQ

What does airing someone mean in chat?

It means ignoring the person’s messages or not replying.

Can airing someone be used to talk about public disclosure?

Yes, it can refer to making a person’s private matters public.

Where did the ignoring sense of airing someone come from?

It originated in British online slang in the 2010s and spread via TikTok.

Is airing someone appropriate in formal writing?

It is informal and best kept to casual digital conversations.

How is airing someone different from ghosting?

Ghosting usually means cutting off all contact, while airing someone emphasizes the act of not responding.

Can I say airing someone about their mistake?

For the exposing sense you can, but for ignoring you should not use it that way.

What is a common mistake when using airing someone?

People often use it to mean giving fresh air, which is incorrect.

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