put-on
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement: A "put-on" is a performance or act that is deliberately silly, exaggerated, or absurd, intended to entertain or make people laugh.
- Something intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage: A "put-on" can also refer to a deception, a pretense, or a hoax designed to fool someone, often for personal gain or as a joke.
- A composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way: In artistic contexts, a "put-on" is a parody or a satirical imitation of a person's distinctive style or work.
Usage Examples
Noun (as a humorous act):
- His clumsy waiter routine was just a put-on to make us laugh.
- The whole interview was a put-on; he was never a real astronaut.
Noun (as a deception):
- Her story about being a princess was an elaborate put-on.
- Don't believe him; his illness is a put-on to avoid work.
Noun (as a parody):
- The comedian's put-on of the president's speech was hilarious.
- The article was a clever put-on of the academic journal's dense writing style.
Advanced Usage
"It's all a put-on": A phrase used to indicate that a situation, emotion, or identity is entirely fake or performed.
- His anger is all a put-on; he's actually very pleased.
To be a put-on artist: Refers to someone who habitually engages in deception or humorous impersonation.
- He's a famous put-on artist, fooling even experts with his imitations.
Variants and Related Words
Put (someone) on (phrasal verb): To deceive or tease someone playfully.
- Are you serious, or are you putting me on?
Put-on (adjective, informal): Artificial or pretended. (Note: This is a related adjectival use, not the primary noun defined above).
- She spoke with a put-on British accent.
Synonyms
- Hoax: A deceptive act meant as a trick.
- Spoof: A lighthearted parody or imitation.
- Sham: Something false presented as genuine.
- Charade: An obvious pretense or act.
Related Phrases and Idioms
"A complete/total put-on": Emphasizes that something is entirely fake.
- His story about meeting the alien was a complete put-on.
"See through the put-on": To recognize the deception or act.
- I saw through his put-on immediately; he's not really that rich.
Noun
- a ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement
- something intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage
- a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way