Definition of fake

The word "fake" has originated from the Old English word "feoh" meaning "property" or "wealth." This word morphed into Middle English as "faeke," which specifically denoted something manufactured or counterfeit, as opposed to genuine, or "faynte" meaning "feigned." The term "faynte" evolved into "feint" and "feinde" which described something that appears to be real but, in reality, is pretend or false. In the 16th century, the word "fake" began emerging, with shades of meaning ranging from false or counterfeit to inferior, spurious, or fraudulent in nature. The exact origin of the "fake" terminology remains debated, with some sources suggesting that it may have emerged from a Scandinavian dialect rather than Old English roots. However, the use of "fake" to describe something that is not authentic, genuine, or real has prevailed in modern English, commonly employed in various forms of media and communication today. In summary, the word "fake" has evolved from Old English "feoh" to describe something that is manufactured, inferior, spurious, or fraudulent, developing a specific sense of falsity and sham in modern usage.