Definition

1. Noun:
   • A ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement: A "put-on" is a performance or act that is deliberately silly, exaggerated, or absurd, intended to entertain or make people laugh.
   • Something intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage: A "put-on" can also refer to a deception, a pretense, or a hoax designed to fool someone, often for personal gain or as a joke.
   • A composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way: In artistic contexts, a "put-on" is a parody or a satirical imitation of a person's distinctive style or work.

Usage Examples

• Noun (as a humorous act):

  • His clumsy waiter routine was just a put-on to make us laugh.
  • The whole interview was a put-on; he was never a real astronaut.

• Noun (as a deception):

  • Her story about being a princess was an elaborate put-on.
  • Don't believe him; his illness is a put-on to avoid work.

• Noun (as a parody):

  • The comedian's put-on of the president's speech was hilarious.
  • The article was a clever put-on of the academic journal's dense writing style.

Advanced Usage

• "It's all a put-on": A phrase used to indicate that a situation, emotion, or identity is entirely fake or performed.

  • His anger is all a put-on; he's actually very pleased.

• To be a put-on artist: Refers to someone who habitually engages in deception or humorous impersonation.

  • He's a famous put-on artist, fooling even experts with his imitations.

Variants and Related Words

• Put (someone) on (phrasal verb): To deceive or tease someone playfully.

  • Are you serious, or are you putting me on?

• Put-on (adjective, informal): Artificial or pretended. (Note: This is a related adjectival use, not the primary noun defined above).

  • She spoke with a put-on British accent.

Synonyms

• Hoax: A deceptive act meant as a trick.
• Spoof: A lighthearted parody or imitation.
• Sham: Something false presented as genuine.
• Charade: An obvious pretense or act.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A complete/total put-on": Emphasizes that something is entirely fake.

  • His story about meeting the alien was a complete put-on.

• "See through the put-on": To recognize the deception or act.

  • I saw through his put-on immediately; he's not really that rich.

Noun

1. a ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement
2. something intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage
3. a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way