Sunday, April 4, 2010

THE UNAUTHORIZED HISTORY OF AIR QUOTES.


Air quotes are those virtual question marks we make with both sets of pointer and ring fingers to emphasize a phrase or word.

Ex. Pete isn’t my friend anymore because he’s the kinda guy that has a public (air quotes) urination (end air quotes) problem.


AIR QUOTES BY NUMBERS.

In the course of a year a human being will use air quotes 8.5 times. 90% of those moments will be for ironic or sarcastic humor, while the straggling ten will actually be for something important.


AIR QUOTE BEGINNINGS

Historians note that the 2nd most annoying gesture of mankind (Jazz hands being first) occurred as early as 1927. The incident was reported in an edition of Science magazine .

The article went on to describe a woman who used air quotes as a way to inform people the phrase she was saying did not originate from herself. A slight variation from the current usage. However, even though the gesture was described it did not have a name attached to it. That honor would have to wait until a SPY magazine article in 1989. Here’s exactly how it was mentioned.

"When Bob and Betty describe themselves in these ways, they raise the middle and forefingers of both hands, momentarily forming twitching bunny ears - air quotes, the quintessential contemporary gesture that says We're not serious."

Today pop culture has had an on again off again love affair with the use of air quotes. Right now I'd say we've been on a break for at least a year and a half.


CLASSIC AIR QUOTE MOMENTS IN RECENT HISTORY.


Bennett Brauer (aka Chris Farley), SNL

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Obama vs. McCain


Dr. Evil and his freakin’ lasers.



Friends (Joey and Ross)



Not sure if this one is socially relevant, but what the hey.


Apparently Steve Martin used ‘em in his stand up shows, but I couldn't find a clip. (air quotes) Sorry (end air quotes).



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11 comments:

  1. Can't get to the videos but this is easily one of your best posts yet. LMFAO!

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  2. Ha ha, air quotes. Too funny! Why does the term "air quote" remind me of air guitar? Same concept I guess...

    I must tell you anything, and I mean anything having to do with Dr. Evil makes me laugh myself sick...

    This post is awesome, Jes. You should follow it up with a post about those annoying buzz words they use in advertising... I'm sure you've heard 'em... "Look and feel" or "smoke and mirrors" ... "think outside the box" Argggg. Sorry kiddo, once again I've taken your blog to a dark, ugly place :(

    FourthGradeNothing.com

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  3. First time to your blog and I found it hysterical. Great post! Loved the clips too. Very funny. I'm following!

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  4. LOL! This was genius. I hadn't realized air quotes had such a deep history.

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  5. *snort* I never air quote. Never. I have been known to scratch my imaginary friend's back on occasion, however....and I suppose that COULD be mistaken for an air quote.

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  6. LOL, I have been known to use air quotes to emphasize the sarcasm of the moment. LOL.

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  7. God, I loved Chris Farley. Bennett Brauer was one of the greatest things that ever happened to SNL. Even now, more than ten years later, I miss him terribly. Thanks for the clip, it's been a while since I've seen that one.

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  8. Great post, CB. I say that without quotation marks.
    Cheers,
    Robyn

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  9. I love friends!! I learn so much here.

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  10. Every time I watch that 'Friends' scene with the air quotes, I laugh out loud.

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