noun
poseur
poh-ZUR/pəʊˈzɜːr/
A person who pretends to possess greater culture, knowledge, or importance than is true.
The poseur pretends to understand the painting while secretly consulting a cue card.
Etymology
Poser here means adopting an affected attitude, and the ending names the person doing it. A poseur performs an impressive or sophisticated character rather than genuinely possessing it.
In context
this guy Frank Abagnale Jr., who was a poseur, who was a conman, able to take on all sorts of roles, and he wound up gaining millions of dollars by writing false checks
More examples
- The poseur drops famous names to make herself seem important.
- The gallery attracts serious collectors as well as poseurs.
- Enjoying expensive wine doesn't automatically make you a poseur.
Forms
poseur · poseurs
Similar words
- poser
- A less formal term for someone affecting sophistication or authenticity.
- pretender
- Broader term covering false claims to abilities, identities, or rights.