Put-on

The term 'put-on' refers to a deliberate pretense or an act intended to deceive, often involving exaggerated behavior, emotions, or appearances. It can also describe the act of wearing clothing or accessories. In colloquial usage, 'put-on' may refer to an elaborate ruse designed for humor or an act meant to entertain. Furthermore, it can signify a temporary state of being that isn’t genuine, emphasizing the contrast between reality and the facade being presented.

Put-on meaning with examples

• During the school play, Janice had the perfect put-on as the overdramatic princess, capturing everyone's attention with her exaggerated expressions and lines. Her performance was so convincing that the audience couldn't help but laugh and place bets on her next outburst, intrigued by how far she would take her character.
• Mark's sudden interest in opera felt like a put-on to impress his sophisticated friends. His enthusiasm was so over-the-top that it prompted many to question whether he had ever genuinely enjoyed the art form, exposing the thin veil between real passion and pretentiousness.
• When Tom told us he was a world traveler with tales from exotic places, his friends suspected it was a put-on; they had seen him turn around during a simple grocery run. This led to playful inquiries about his 'adventures' and bolstered inside jokes about his local escapades.
• Linda's insistence that she loved running marathons seemed like a put-on, especially when she often griped about jogging short distances. Her friends playfully teased her, questioning how she could maintain such a facade while clearly preferring a cozy day at home.
• The actor's put-on of a wealthy businessman in the film was so convincing that even the critics couldn’t detect the nuances of his character's struggle, leading many to hail his performance as a highlight of the movie and a true testament to his transformative abilities.