Poseur

/pəˈzɜr/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who pretends to be something they are not for the purpose of impressing others or gaining social status.

He considers himself an artist, but everyone knows he's just a poseur who copies famous works.

Someone who adopts a particular attitude or style to impress others.

The trendy cafe was full of poseurs, more interested in their appearances than enjoying their coffee.

A person who behaves in a way that is intended to attract attention or admiration.

She always dresses in the latest fashion as a poseur, seeking validation from her peers.

A pretender; one who feigns interest, ability, or worth.

The fashion industry is full of poseurs who lack genuine talent and creativity.

From French, literally meaning 'to pose' or 'to assume a posture'.

poseur syndrome

The tendency to imitate or mimic the behavior of others to appear more fashionable or cultured.

fashion poseur

Someone who follows fashion trends superficially, without true understanding or appreciation.

social poseur

A person who pretends to belong to a certain social group or status.

affectation

A deliberate pretense or exaggerated display of feeling, intended to impress.

vanity

Excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements.

pretense

An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.

Wannabe

He's such a wannabe, always trying to act like he's part of the scene.

Fake

She acts all cultured, but she's just a fake.