feigned expression

[/feɪnd ɪkˈsprɛʃən/]
nounpl: feigned expressions
expressão fingida
1. A facial look, gesture, or tone of voice that is deliberately put on to deceive or conceal one's true feelings or intentions
She wore a feigned expression of surprise when she saw the birthday cake.
Ela usava uma expressão fingida de surpresa quando viu o bolo de aniversário.
2. An artificial or insincere display of emotion designed to mislead others
His feigned expression of sympathy fooled no one at the meeting.
Sua expressão fingida de simpatia não enganou ninguém na reunião.
Both American and Brazilian cultures recognize feigned expressions as common social phenomena, often used in professional, familial, and social situations to maintain harmony or manage impressions. In Brazil, there's a cultural awareness of the 'jogo de cintura' (playing it cool), where feigned expressions are sometimes considered a diplomatic social skill. In American contexts, it's often viewed through the lens of authenticity values, though still widely practiced.
NYC Slang
fake mug / put-on face
Synonyms / Sinônimos
false expressionartificial expressionforced expressionfake expressioncontrived looksimulated expression
Antonyms / Antônimos
genuine expressionauthentic expressionsincere expressionhonest looknatural expression

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
expressão fingida
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
expressão de mentira
More colloquial variant emphasizing deception
São Paulo
expressão simulada
Slightly more formal usage in business contexts
Portugal
expressão fingida / expressão simulada
Both terms used, with fingida being more common

Related Words

feignexpressionfacadepretensedeceptioninsinceritypoker facedissimulation

Related Idioms & Phrases

wear a false face
put on a brave face
hide behind a smile
mask one's feelings
play-act
não mostrar o jogo (Portuguese: not show one's hand)
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