air up
Put air into something, usually a tire.
Also called airin' up, aired up.
Updated September 21, 2026
air up pronunciation
/AIR up/
Meaning
Means inflate. Most often you hear it about car, truck, or tractor tires at a gas station or in the driveway. People also air up balls, tubes, and air mattresses. Same idea as "put air in," just shorter.
How folks use it
- “Stop at the station so we can air up that front tire.”
- “The basketball is soft. Can you air it up before practice?”
Origin and etymology
Rural American English, especially Southern and Appalachian talk in the 1900s. "Air" got used as a verb, so "air up" became the everyday way to say inflate. Still common around trucks, farms, and off-road folks who also talk about airing down.
Frequently asked questions
Is air up only for tires?
Tires are the main use, but anything you fill with air can get aired up.