PECKSNIFFERY Meaning and
Definition
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Pecksniffery is a noun that originated from the character Seth Pecksniff in Charles Dickens' novel "Martin Chuzzlewit" and refers to a particular type of behavior displayed by individuals who pretend to be virtuous, moral, or righteous, but in reality, they are insincere and hypocritical.
In its dictionary definition, pecksniffery denotes the act of deliberately presenting oneself as morally superior or more compassionate than others, whilst concealing one's true intentions or motivations. It often involves a conspicuous display of virtue, such as making grand speeches about noble values, religious beliefs, or ethical principles, in an attempt to gain social or personal advantages. Pecksniffery can include false modesty, exaggerated gestures of righteousness, and a tendency to judge others harshly based on their perceived flaws or supposed lack of virtue. Those engaging in pecksniffery typically manipulate situations and people for their own benefit, using their perceived moral authority to further their own interests.
Pecksniffs, or individuals practicing pecksniffery, are often characterized by their sanctimonious nature and their tendency to be overly concerned about appearances rather than true moral character. They may maintain a facade of goodness while secretly engaging in deceit or immoral behavior. The term "pecksniffery" is often used in a derogatory manner to criticize people who act in a self-righteous or hypocritical manner, particularly when their actions contradict their professed beliefs or values.
Common Misspellings for PECKSNIFFERY
- oecksniffery
- lecksniffery
- -ecksniffery
- 0ecksniffery
- pwcksniffery
- pscksniffery
- pdcksniffery
- prcksniffery
- p4cksniffery
- p3cksniffery
- pexksniffery
- pevksniffery
- pefksniffery
- pedksniffery
- pecjsniffery
- pecmsniffery
- peclsniffery
- pecosniffery
- pecisniffery
- peckaniffery
Etymology of PECKSNIFFERY
The word "pecksniffery" is derived from the character Seth Pecksniff in Charles Dickens' novel "Martin Chuzzlewit". Seth Pecksniff is depicted as a sanctimonious, hypocritical, and self-righteous character who presents himself as virtuous and moral but often behaves in a deceitful and selfish manner. The term "pecksniffery" is used to refer to someone who acts in a similar manner of insincere virtue signaling or hypocrisy. The word has become a byword for hypocrisy and deception.
