pseudo

adj. not real or honest, even if it looks like it is.

adj. spurious or sham; appearing to be one thing while being another in reality.

“He gave a pseudo apology that didn't sound sincere at all.”

“The building was decorated in a pseudo-Gothic style that many architectural critics found gaudy and historically inaccurate.”

n. someone who tries to act more intelligent or important than they really are.

n. an intellectually pretentious person or a poseur who lacks genuine depth.

“Don't listen to him; he's just a pseudo who wants to sound smart.”

“The gallery was filled with pseudos who spent more time discussing the price of the art than the techniques used to create it.”

Informal

n. a fake name used on the internet to stay anonymous.

n. a pseudonym or false name adopted for online anonymity.

“I never use my real name on forums; I always use a pseudo.”

“To protect her privacy while investigating the data leak, she operated under a pseudo that could not be traced back to her employer.”

Informal

n. a short name for a common medicine used to clear a blocked nose.

n. a common clipping for pseudoephedrine, a sympathomimetic drug used as a nasal decongestant.

“The pharmacist said I needed to show my ID to buy any medicine containing pseudo.”

“Due to its potential use in the illicit manufacture of stimulants, the sale of pseudo is strictly regulated in many jurisdictions.”

Informal · Technical