DictionaryReaction slang

Holy Airball

Definition

A reaction to a spectacularly failed joke, prediction, insult, romantic attempt, or opinion.

Example
He tried to roast her and got the facts wrong—holy airball.
How it is used

The basketball term airball is applied metaphorically to any attempt that misses its target completely.

Origin and context

Airball originally describes a basketball shot that misses the rim and backboard. Online users extended it to failed social and verbal attempts.

Common variations

absolute airball

An intensified description of a total failure.

social airball

A failed joke, flirtation, or interaction.

airballed

The past-tense verb meaning failed badly.

Frequently asked questions
What does Holy Airball mean?

A reaction to a spectacularly failed joke, prediction, insult, romantic attempt, or opinion.

How is Holy Airball used?

The basketball term airball is applied metaphorically to any attempt that misses its target completely.

Where did Holy Airball come from?

Airball originally describes a basketball shot that misses the rim and backboard. Online users extended it to failed social and verbal attempts.

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