pecksniffism Definition
the character or conduct of a hypocrite who pretends to have admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings.
Using pecksniffism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pecksniffism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The politician's pecksniffism was exposed when he was caught accepting bribes.
Example
She saw through his pecksniffism and refused to be swayed by his false charm.
Example
The company's pecksniffism was revealed when they claimed to be environmentally friendly but were found to be polluting the river.
pecksniffism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for pecksniffism
Phrases with pecksniffism
a hypocritical or insincere smile
Example
He greeted me with a Pecksniffian smile that made me doubt his sincerity.
the act of pretending to have admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings while behaving in a way that contradicts those principles
Example
The company's Pecksniffian hypocrisy was exposed when they claimed to be socially responsible but were found to be exploiting their workers.
the act of pretending to have high moral standards while behaving in a way that contradicts those standards
Example
The politician's Pecksniffian morality was exposed when he was caught cheating on his wife.
Origins of pecksniffism
named after the character Seth Pecksniff in Charles Dickens' novel 'Martin Chuzzlewit'
Summary: pecksniffism in Brief
'Pecksniffism' [pek-snif-iz-uhm] refers to the character or conduct of a hypocrite who pretends to have admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings. It is often used to describe insincere behavior, such as the politician's pecksniffism when he was caught accepting bribes. The term extends into phrases like 'Pecksniffian smile,' denoting a hypocritical or insincere smile, and 'Pecksniffian hypocrisy,' referring to the act of pretending to have admirable principles while behaving in a way that contradicts those principles.
