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Meaning of phony
The primary meaning of the word "phony" is something that is not genuine or authentic.
Etymology of phony
The word "phony" has its roots in the late 19th century, derived from the slang term "phoney," which was likely an alteration of "fawney," a type of ring used in a confidence trick, with the word eventually coming to describe anything that is fake or deceptive.
Synonyms
fake
false
artificial
pretended
simulated
sham
feigned
spurious
bogus
deceitful
dishonest
untrustworthy
insincere
hypocritical
affected
pretentious
ostentatious
superficial
fraudulent
counterfeit
manufactured
fabricated
invented
imaginary
unreal
misleading
deceptive
duplicitous
double-dealing
cunning
crafty
sly
cheat
impostor
charlatan
quack
mountebank
pretender
Definitions
- Not genuine or authentic, counterfeit
- (of a person) insincere or hypocritical in their words or actions
- (of a thing) artificial or fake, especially something intended to deceive or impress
Usage Examples
- The salesman's phony smile made me skeptical of his intentions.
- She thought his story was phony and didn't believe a word he said.
- The company was selling phony products, and eventually, they got caught.