faux-naïf

[ foh-nah-eef ]

/ ˈfoʊ nɑˈif /

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adjective

marked by a pretense of simplicity or innocence; disingenuous.

noun

a person who shrewdly affects an attitude or pose of simplicity or innocence.

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Origin of faux-naïf

From French, dating back to 1940–45; see origin at faux, naive

Words nearby faux-naïf

faute de mieux, fauteuil, Fauve, faux, fauxbourdon, faux-naïf, faux pas, fava bean, fave, favela, favelado

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use faux-naïf in a sentence

But publicly throwing shade at Louis Vuitton wasn't Kanye's first fashion faux pas.
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s Balmain Campaign: High Fashion Meets Low Culture|Amy Zimmerman|December 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
From righteous fury to faux indignation, everything we got mad about in 2014—and how outrage has taken over our lives.
The Daily Beast’s Best Longreads, Dec 15-21, 2014|William Boot|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
That being said, the task of faux-fellating my partner naturally fell to me.
I Tried Cosmo’s New Lesbian Sex Tips|Samantha Allen|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In her telling, she was, until just five years ago, a complete naif about climate change.
Naomi Klein’s ‘This Changes Everything’ Will Change Nothing|Michael Signer|November 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

She tackles weighty subjects with a naive sensibility and faux-innocence, but skillfully avoids dumbing them down.
The Singular Artist of New Yorkistan|Lizzie Crocker|November 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
"And you leave about your faux commencements, as M. Ballompre would call them, for us to stumble over," said Margaret.
The Daisy Chain|Charlotte Yonge
A sledging cook will often make a disagreeable faux pas by extinguishing the primus in the preparation of hoosh.
The Home of the Blizzard|Douglas Mawson
Tilliard blushed, partly on account of the faux pas he had made last June, partly on account of the restaurant.
The Longest Journey|E. M. Forster
There was a faux air of a real married name about Mrs. Nightingale that was lacking in Mrs. Graythorpe.
Somehow Good|William de Morgan
In a strange house it would have been simply a faux pas, but he knows us well enough, and the arrangement between us.
Gray youth|Oliver Onions

British Dictionary definitions for faux-naïf

faux-naïf

/ French (fonaif) /

adjective

appearing or seeking to appear simple and unsophisticateda faux-naïf narration

noun

a person who pretends to be naïve

Word Origin for faux-naïf

French: false naïve

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012