Phony: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽญ
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phony

 

[ หˆfoสŠni ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

informal

Not genuine or real; fake or counterfeit.

Synonyms

bogus, counterfeit, fake, false.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
phony

Duplicate entry, already described above.

fake

Used broadly to describe any object or person that is not genuine. Commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • She was wearing a fake diamond ring.
  • He uses a fake name on social media.
counterfeit

Used specifically for things that are made to look like something else, usually to deceive people, and typically refers to money, documents, or luxury goods.

  • The store manager discovered counterfeit bills in the cash register.
  • They were caught trying to sell counterfeit designer bags.
false

A general term that refers to something that is not true or correct, and can be used in a wide range of formal and informal contexts.

  • The statement he made was completely false.
  • The report was based on false information.
bogus

Used when referring to something that is not real and has been made with the intention to deceive people. Often used informally.

  • He was arrested for selling bogus insurance policies.
  • I received a bogus email claiming I had won a prize.

Examples of usage

  • He gave me a phony phone number.
  • The company was caught selling phony merchandise.
  • She put on a phony smile to hide her disappointment.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A fraudulent person or thing.

Synonyms

charlatan, fake, fraud, impostor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
phony

Used when describing someone or something that is not genuine and is pretending to be something they are not. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • He's such a phony, always pretending to be someone he's not
  • That watch is a phony; it's not a real Rolex
fraud

Used to describe someone who deceives others, typically by pretending to be someone they are not or by manipulating the truth for personal gain. It is often used in legal and financial contexts.

  • He was arrested for committing fraud
  • That company turned out to be a massive fraud
impostor

Describes a person who pretends to be someone else, usually to gain an advantage or deceive others. Often used in situations where specific roles or identities are being mimicked.

  • They caught an impostor who was trying to enter the secure area
  • She realized her new friend was an impostor when he couldn't answer basic questions
charlatan

Refers to a person who pretends to have skills or knowledge that they do not actually possess, typically to deceive others. It is often used in professional or academic settings.

  • The so-called doctor turned out to be a charlatan with no medical training
  • That miracle cure was peddled by a charlatan
fake

Describes something that is not real or authentic. It can refer to objects, documents, or even feelings and intentions. This term is versatile and can be used in various informal contexts.

  • She wore a fake smile at the party
  • The police caught him with a fake passport

Examples of usage

  • The scam artist turned out to be a phony.
  • Don't trust him, he's a phony.

Translations

Translations of the word "phony" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น falso

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคเฅ‚เค เคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช falsch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ palsu

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั„ะฐะปัŒัˆะธะฒะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ faล‚szywy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฝ็‰ฉ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท faux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ falso

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sahte

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ€์งœ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฒูŠู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ faleลกnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ faloลกnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‡็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ponarejen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ falskur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐะปา“ะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒงแƒแƒšแƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ saxta

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ falso

Etymology

The word 'phony' originated in the early 20th century as an American slang term, derived from the word 'fawney,' which referred to a gilded brass ring used as a counterfeit coin in the 18th century. Over time, 'phony' came to represent anything that is not genuine or authentic, often used to describe fraudulent individuals or counterfeit goods.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,211, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.