It is my firm belief that there is something inherently amusing about air quotes. 
To me, they look like a twitchy pair of flaccid peace signs; sometimes they remind me of devious little bunny ears. Usually when people use air quotes these days, they’re doing it to be funny. Occasionally, though, I’ll catch someone using the air quote seriously, without even a hint of irony, which, of course, just makes me want to snicker even more.
The most impressive display of air quotes I’ve ever seen was at a Planning Commission public hearing many years ago. I watched a land use attorney pace back and forth in front of the commissioners, attempting to demonstrate his understanding of environmental policy. “My client’s proposed project is in compliance with all applicable land use regulations,” he began. “At the state level, we have the ‘California Environmental Quality Act’, or ‘CEQA.” And here he stopped and busted out the underhanded air quote. Which, if you take a moment to try it out yourself, looks more than just a little bit silly, and even a little naughty. Kind of like he was goosing the air. Still makes me giggle whenever I think about it.
Tonight, at dinner, we began the ritual of dessert negotiations. “If I finish all my food, can I get a treat?” Colin asked.
“Sure,” I agreed. “We’ve got watermelon, and mango –“
He shook his head. “No, no, no. Not fruit. I mean a treat treat.”
I looked over and saw he was still wiggling his fingers in the air. “Treat” treat. With air quotes.
I have to give him credit for using the air quote correctly. I mean, he’s only six. This has got to be a milestone of some sort, right? I just hope he learns how to use the air quote for good and not evil…
eleven bee 