pseudo meaning (derogatory): definition, etymology and quotations

pseudo

noun

UK /ˈs(j)uːdəʊ/ · US /ˈsuːdoʊ/

Etymology From Middle English, derived from prefix pseudo-, itself derived from Ancient Greek ψευδής (pseudḗs, “false, lying”).

Derogatory An intellectually pretentious person; a pseudointellectual.

A poseur; one who is fake.

Lifestyle, Tourism, Transport, Travel industry Informal pseudo-city code

Internet, Clipping A pseudonym; a false name used for online anonymity.

Issues such as verifiability (for age declared), anonymity (in spite of pseudos and avatars) and traceability are at stake[…]2011, Divina Frau-Meigs, Media Matters in the Cultural Contradictions of the "Information Society", page 299:

Internet, Abbreviation Short for pseudoelement.

Abbreviation, Clipping Clipping of pseudoephedrine.

adj

Etymology From Middle English, derived from prefix pseudo-, itself derived from Ancient Greek ψευδής (pseudḗs, “false, lying”).

Other than what is apparent; spurious; sham.

Last week saw perhaps the first major showdown between the pseudo cryptolibertarianism they both espouse and that old-fashioned, resolutely analogue concept known as the nation state. For anyone who has spent any time pondering the intergalactic levels of entitlement among the tech broligarchy and the – until now – total impunity they’ve faced, the arrest and subsequent charging of Durov was a singular moment.2024 August 31, Carole Cadwalladr, “Don’t rejoice yet, Elon Musk and his tech bros-in-arms are winning the global battle for the truth”, in Katharine Viner, editor, The Guardian, London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 03 Feb 2025:

Insincere.