What does PHONY mean?

Phony

1. Parts of Speech: Adjective, noun

2. Definitions:

• Adjective: not genuine or real; fake or false.
• Noun: a person or thing that is not genuine; a fake or fraud.

3. Pronunciations:

• US: /ˈfoʊni/
• UK: /ˈfəʊni/

4. Origin and Usage: The word "phony" originated in the United States in the late 19th century and is believed to have been derived from the word "fawney," which was a slang term for a gilded brass ring used in a confidence trick. The word "phony" is used to describe something or someone that is not genuine or real. It is often used to describe fraudulent or fake behavior or things.

5. Synonyms: Fake, false, fraudulent, sham, counterfeit.

6. Related Words: Fraud, cheat, hoax, bluff, trick.

7. Example Sentences:

• The company was accused of selling phony products to its customers.
• He put on a phony accent to impress his friends.
• The politician was caught making phony promises to his constituents.
• The painting turned out to be a phony and was not worth anything.
• The con artist was selling phony art pieces to unsuspecting buyers.