to air one's lungs

Definition & Meaning of "air one's lungs"

to air one's lungs
01

to speak in a manner that is rude or sexually offensive

to [air] {one's} lungs definition and meaning
DisapprovingDisapproving
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

What is the origin of the idiom "air one's lungs" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "air one's lungs" is not certain, but it is believed to have originated in the late 16th or early 17th century. At that time, the phrase was used to describe the act of clearing one's lungs by taking deep breaths, often in an effort to relieve stress or tension. Today, it is used to communicate using impolite or vulgar language, often with inappropriate sexual content

example
Example
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The boss sure aired his lungs when we lost another customer!
You could've just asked Jane to hand you the file; there was no need to air your lungs.
02

to take deep breaths in order to fill one's lungs with air

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