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superficial demeanor

[ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəl dɪˈmiːnər]
noun phrasepl: superficial demeansors
aparência superficial / comportamento superficial
1. An outward appearance or manner of behavior that lacks depth, sincerity, or substance; a surface-level presentation that does not reflect true character or intentions
Despite his superficial demeanor of friendliness, colleagues sensed his underlying coldness.
Apesar de sua aparência superficial de amabilidade, os colegas sentiam seu frieza subjacente.
2. A way of presenting oneself that is concerned only with surface impressions rather than genuine feelings or character
Her superficial demeanor masked a deep insecurity.
Seu comportamento superficial mascarava uma insegurança profunda.
NYC Slang
fake front / putting on a show / all hat and no cattle
Synonyms
surface appearanceaffected mannershallow behaviorpretensefalse frontartificial demeanoroutward show
Antonyms
genuine demeanorauthentic behaviorsincere mannerdeep charactertrue naturesubstantive demeanor

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
aparência superficial / jeito superficial
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
comportamento de fachada / aparência de fachada
Fachada (facade) is frequently used in urban, cosmopolitan contexts
Rio de Janeiro
jogo de cena / aparência enganosa
Jogo de cena (theatrical play) is colloquially used
Portugal
aparência superficial / comportamento superficial
Standard European Portuguese usage, same as general translation

Related Idioms & Phrases

all talk and no action
dressed to kill
surface charm
skin-deep beauty
keeping up appearances
putting on airs
faking it
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