poseur
UK: pəʊˈzɜː | US: poʊˈzɜːr
n. a person who pretends to be sophisticated, cultured, or important to impress others; an affected or insincere individual.
The word "poseur" originates from French, derived from the verb poser ("to pose" or "to pretend"), combined with the agentive suffix -eur (equivalent to English "-er"). It entered English in the late 19th century, retaining its French spelling and meaning. The term critiques those who adopt false personas, reflecting societal disdain for artificiality. The root poser itself traces back to Latin pausare ("to pause"), but evolved in French to imply deliberate posturing.
He was dismissed as a mere poseur, flaunting borrowed ideas as his own.
The art critic accused the young painter of being a poseur, more concerned with image than technique.
She saw through his poseur act—his expensive clothes couldn’t hide his lack of genuine knowledge.
The café was full of literary poseurs name-dropping obscure authors.
Unlike the poseurs at the party, she spoke about philosophy with authentic passion.