What do you call someone who pretends to be someone they are not online?

A catfish isn't just a fish with whiskers. It's a term for a person who pretends to be someone else online. A catfish uses fake photos, and sometimes a false persona, to find friends or romantic partners on the internet.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


What is it called when you pretend to be someone you're not online?

As defined by its creators, to catfish is “To pretend to be someone you're not by posting false information.” The term has come to specifically refer to online dating situations, with one person creating a false online profile in order to lure other online users into emotional or romantic relationships.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on staceyschmidtlawfirm.com


What do you call someone who pretends to be someone they aren t?

Definitions of imposter. a person who makes deceitful pretenses. synonyms: fake, faker, fraud, humbug, impostor, pretender, pseud, pseudo, role player, sham, shammer.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on vocabulary.com


What's another word for pretending to be someone?

Some common synonyms of pretend are affect, assume, counterfeit, feign, sham, and simulate.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on merriam-webster.com


What do you call when someone is pretending to be someone else than who you really are on social media?

Impersonation in social networks refers to accounts that use the name, image, or other identifying elements of a person, company, or organization for fraudulent purposes. Generally speaking, it is the act when a person pretends to be someone else on social media platforms.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on redpoints.com


15 Signs of Fake Nice People Who You Need To Avoid



What is it called when people act fake?

Definition - impostor, phony.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on merriam-webster.com


What is it called when someone pretends to be innocent?

[ foh-nah-eef ] SHOW IPA.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dictionary.com


When someone pretends to be someone else on the internet?

What is Catfishing? A catfish isn't just a fish with whiskers. It's a term for a person who pretends to be someone else online. A catfish uses fake photos, and sometimes a false persona, to find friends or romantic partners on the internet.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


What is another word for a fake identity?

The word pseudonym can refer to a fake or false name used by anyone, not just writers. It's typically used so a person can remain anonymous.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dictionary.com


What do you call a disingenuous person?

insincere. adjective. not expressing your feelings or opinions honestly.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on macmillandictionary.com


Why do people pretend to be someone they aren t?

Pretending to be someone you're not is most often a response to an overwhelming feeling of insecurity with letting people see who you truly are. It's an attempt at overcoming what is misguided thinking that the real you is somehow not worthy. When, in fact, you are unique and no one else can be WHO YOU ARE.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on 1vibrantlife.com


Is it illegal to pretend to be someone you're not?

If you falsely represent yourself as someone who you aren't, you could be charged with a criminal offense. In certain circumstances, false personification could actually result in federal criminal charges.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on lvcriminaldefense.com


Is it illegal to pretend to be someone else on social media?

Impersonating someone online can be a crime in California. Penal Code 529 PC is the California statute that defines the crime of false impersonation (also known as false personation).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on shouselaw.com


What do you call a person who is always online?

webhead. noun. informal someone who spends a lot of time using the internet.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on macmillandictionary.com


What is another word for self deception?

deception. fantasy. hallucination. illusion.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thesaurus.com


What is a slang word for fake or a lie?

CAP is an internet slang expression that is used to describe lying or faking.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mmguardian.com


Why do people pretend to be other people on social media?

People pretend to be someone they are not to seek validation from their friends, community, and the world. Do your social media platforms reflect the real you? Social media sets people to a standard no one should have. Teenagers and even adults feel like they need approval from the world and their friends.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ylhsthewrangler.com


What is the word for acting dumb on purpose?

condescension Add to list Share.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on vocabulary.com


What are those people called who pretend or assume false characters?

An impostor (also spelled imposter) is a person who pretends to be somebody else, often through means of disguise.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org


What is the word for someone who thinks they are superior?

One of the most common words to describe someone who thinks they are better than someone else is arrogant. Another very common word to describe such a person is proud. I can't stand how arrogant he is! Don't be too proud to admit you're wrong. The opposite of arrogant is humble.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dictionary.cambridge.org


What is the definition of fake people?

1 Answer. People who pretend to be something that they are not are fake people.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on alexaanswers.amazon.com


Why do people impersonate others?

An impersonator is someone who imitates or copies the behavior or actions of another. There are many reasons for impersonating someone: Entertainment: An entertainer impersonates a celebrity, generally for entertainment, and makes fun of their personal lives, recent scandals and known behavior patterns.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org


What law is it when you pretend to be someone else?

Defined in Penal Code 529 PC, false impersonation (also called false personation) is a crime that involves using another person's name or identity to cause harm to that person or to gain an improper benefit. Prosecutors can charge this offense as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on shouselaw.com


What is pretending to be someone you're not?

Pretending to be someone you're not means that you're lying about things that are important to you. That could be your morals, hobbies, interests, or even your sense of humor. It could mean that you're letting others treat you in a way that makes you unhappy or uncomfortable.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on whereicanbeme.com


Is pretending a coping mechanism?

Russ' research shows that play gives children better emotional coping skills and helps reduce anxiety. According to Russ, play simulates emotion. Because they're pretending, children are able to feel a full range of emotions and become comfortable with them.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on observer.case.edu
Previous question
What does meatball mean in slang?