Phonying: meaning, definitions and examples

🤥
Add to dictionary

phonying

 

[ ˈfoʊniɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

deceptive act

Phonying refers to the act of making something appear to be real or genuine when it is actually false or deceptive. It often involves the use of fake identities or misleading information to trick others.

Synonyms

counterfeiting, faking, pretending.

Examples of usage

  • He was phonying as a wealthy businessman online.
  • They caught her phonying her qualifications on her resume.
  • Phonying can lead to serious legal consequences.
  • She was accused of phonying her achievements to gain attention.

Translations

Translations of the word "phonying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fingindo

🇮🇳 धोखा देना

🇩🇪 fälschen

🇮🇩 berpura-pura

🇺🇦 фальшування

🇵🇱 oszustwo

🇯🇵 偽造する

🇫🇷 faux

🇪🇸 falsificación

🇹🇷 sahtelik

🇰🇷 위조하다

🇸🇦 تزوير

🇨🇿 padělání

🇸🇰 falšovanie

🇨🇳 伪造

🇸🇮 ponarejanje

🇮🇸 falsun

🇰🇿 жалған

🇬🇪 ფალსიფიკაცია

🇦🇿 saxtalaşdırma

🇲🇽 falsificación

Etymology

The term 'phony' originated in the early 19th century in the United States, derived from the word 'phone' which was slang for a counterfeit coin or a fake. The connection to deception became apparent as it was used to describe anything that was not real. Over the years, 'phony' evolved into an adjective describing people or things that are insincere or fraudulent. The verb form 'phonying' emerged later as a way to indicate the action of engaging in such deceitful behavior. Employed in various contexts, the term became widely recognized in American slang, particularly among younger generations in the mid-20th century. Its use can be seen in literature, music, and everyday conversation, emphasizing its place in the cultural lexicon of America.