What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
poseur
Example
He's such a poseur, always trying to act like he's from the city. [poseur: noun]
Example
She posed for a photo, trying to look cool and edgy, but it was obvious she was just a poseur. [pose: verb]
charlatan
Example
The self-proclaimed health guru turned out to be a charlatan, selling fake supplements and giving dangerous advice. [charlatan: noun]
Example
He charlataned his way into the job, claiming to have years of experience when he had none. [charlatan: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Charlatan is less common than poseur in everyday language, but is still used in formal contexts to describe fraudulent behavior. Poseur is more commonly used in casual conversation to describe someone who is trying too hard to fit in or impress others.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between poseur and charlatan?
Charlatan is a more formal word than poseur, and is often used in legal or professional settings to describe fraudulent behavior. Poseur is more informal and can be used in casual conversation or social situations.
