Phoney

usgb/ˈfəʊni/
adjective

Not genuine, a fake or fraud.

I think her kindness is phoney, she just wants to impress our boss.
Visual representation of "phoney" - Not genuine, a fake or fraud

Often appears as...

  • phoney smile
  • phoney promise

Usage tips

Informal

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "phoney"
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Emotional Disguise

Used when someone hides their true feelings with fake behavior.

Illustration for Emotional Disguise
Her concern seemed phoney, given her past indifference.
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Detecting Insincerity

Helps indicate skepticism about the authenticity of someone's actions or words.

Illustration for Detecting Insincerity
His apology felt phoney; he didn't seem remorseful at all.
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Cultural Reference

In movies, a 'phoney' character might be a villain pretending to be friendly.

Illustration for Cultural Reference
The protagonist realized the mentor's advice was phoney, leading to a plot twist.
Visual representation of the word "Phoney"

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