phony
UK: ˈfəʊni | US: ˈfoʊni
Definition
adj. not genuine; fake or fraudulent
n. a person or thing that is not genuine; a fraud
Structure
phon <sound/voice>y <adjective suffix>
Etymology
phony = phon<sound/voice> + y<adjective suffix>
- phon<sound/voice>: From Greek phōnē (φωνή), meaning "voice" or "sound."
- y<adjective suffix>: A common English suffix used to form adjectives (e.g., "funny," "sunny").
Etymology Origin:
The word "phony" originated in the late 19th century, likely derived from "fawney" (a counterfeit gold ring used in scams). It traces back to Irish fáinne (ring), influenced by Greek phōnē (voice/sound), possibly referencing deceptive speech. Over time, it generalized to mean anything fake or insincere.
Examples
The salesman’s phony smile made customers distrust him.
She saw through his phony compliments.
The document turned out to be a phony.
His phony accent annoyed everyone.
The politician’s promises were clearly phony.