pecksniff

A man's pecksniff is revealed by his insincere smile.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who makes a hypocritical show of benevolence or high moral principles, especially in a smug, self-righteous manner. This term derives from the character Seth Pecksniff in Charles Dickens' novel Martin Chuzzlewit (1843–44).

Usage Examples

• (A hypocrite who pretends to be virtuous.)
• (Hypocritical, self-righteous conduct.)

Advanced Usage

• "Pecksniffian" (adj): Characterized by hypocritical, self-righteous moralizing.
  • Her pecksniffian tone annoyed everyone at the charity meeting. (A tone of false virtue and condescension.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pecksniffianism (n): The practice or quality of being a pecksniff; hypocritical moralizing.
  • The article criticized the pecksniffianism of corporate social responsibility campaigns. (The hypocrisy behind public virtue.)

Synonyms

• Hypocrite: a person who pretends to have virtues or moral standards they do not possess.
• Sanctimonious person: someone who acts as if they are morally superior.
• Pharisee: a self-righteous or hypocritical person, often used in religious contexts.

Related Idioms

• A wolf in sheep's clothing: someone who appears harmless but is actually dangerous or deceitful.

  • He seemed kind, but he was a wolf in sheep's clothing — a true pecksniff. (A hypocrite hiding malicious intent.)

• To wear a mask of virtue: to pretend to be morally upright while acting otherwise.

  • She wore a mask of virtue, but her actions revealed a pecksniff. (A hypocritical display of goodness.)