frenemy

American  

[fren-uh-mee] / ˈfrɛn ə mi /

Sometimes frienemy

noun

1. Informal. a person or group that is friendly toward another because the relationship brings benefits, but harbors feelings of resentment or rivalry.

   Clearly, turning the competition into frenemies is good for your business.

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Etymology

Origin of frenemy

First recorded in 1950-55; fr(iend) + enemy

Explanation

A person who pretends to be your friend in order to steal your ideas, compete with you, or gain some sort of advantage over you is not really your friend at all — they're your frenemy. The word frenemy blends friend and enemy to describe someone who acts like your buddy but is actually a sneaky rival. It’s that confusing friendship where you’re not quite sure if they’re cheering you on or secretly trying to outshine you. For example, think of two classmates who seem friendly but are always trying to one-up each other in school — that's a classic frenemy situation!

Example Sentences

More importantly, how do you define a Frenemy?

From Salon • Jun. 18, 2018

Well, actually Frenemy is central to answering your question.

From Salon • Jun. 18, 2018

His latest show, Public Frenemy, was written in a 10-day blitz after his stint on I’m A Celebrity ...

From The Guardian • Apr. 18, 2017

Neighbor Frenemy: Why don’t you just keep interacting with her as your history, proximity and families demand, and simply not take her crap?

From Washington Post • Dec. 22, 2016

Ms. Gugino is pretty and appealing, but her character’s a bit underwhelming as the secretary of state’s Public Frenemy No. 1.

From New York Times • Jul. 13, 2012