charade
UK: ʃəˈrɑːd | US: ʃəˈreɪd
n. a game where players guess a word or phrase from acted clues
n. a pretense or absurd sham
The word "charade" originated in 18th-century French, derived from the Provençal word charrar (to chatter, talk idly). The suffix -ade was commonly used in French to form nouns. Initially, it referred to a riddle or verbal game where clues were given through exaggerated speech or gestures. Over time, it evolved to describe any absurd pretense or theatrical deception, reflecting its playful yet deceptive roots.
The children played a lively game of charades at the party.
His apology was nothing but a charade to avoid consequences.
The political debate turned into a charade of empty promises.
She saw through his charade of being interested in her work.
The team-building exercise felt like a pointless charade.