Fake vs. Faux — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
Fake implies a general imitation that deceives, whereas faux specifically refers to a more acceptable or fashionable imitation, often in materials.
Difference Between Fake and Faux
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fake often encompasses a broader range of imitations designed to deceive or substitute for the real thing, such as fake news, fake designer bags, or fake documents. Whereas, faux is used particularly in contexts like fashion and decor, denoting an imitation that is not intended to deceive but to offer an alternative, like faux fur or faux leather.
Fake carries a generally negative connotation, suggesting dishonesty or counterfeit qualities. On the other hand, faux is frequently used in a more neutral or sometimes positive manner, reflecting an ethical choice or stylistic preference, especially in avoiding animal products.
In usage, "fake" can describe anything from emotions (fake smile) to artifacts (fake antiques). Whereas "faux" is almost exclusively used to describe materials or products, like faux marble or faux wood.
Fake can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective, indicating the act of faking, the object that is fake, or the quality of being fake. On the other hand, faux is primarily used as an adjective, rarely extending beyond this grammatical role.
The term "fake" is used more broadly in everyday language, covering a wide range of scenarios where authenticity is in question. In contrast, "faux" is more specialized, often chosen to describe specific types of materials or products in design and fashion industries.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Generally negative
Neutral or positive
Usage
Broad (emotions, artifacts, news)
Specific (materials, products)
Grammatical Role
Adjective, noun, verb
Adjective only
Context
Deception, counterfeit
Ethical, stylistic choice
Common Combinations
Fake news, fake smile
Faux fur, faux leather
Compare with Definitions
Fake
Not genuine; imitation or counterfeit.
She realized the diamond was fake.
Faux
Made to look like something else; artificial.
The jacket is made of faux leather.
Fake
Something that is made to look real in order to deceive people.
The museum displayed a fake of the original painting.
Faux
Used to describe imitation products that mimic others in appearance.
She bought a faux fur rug for her living room.
Fake
Artificially created or manufactured.
The fake designer purse was made from low-quality materials.
Faux
Not genuine but made to appear so.
The walls were painted with a technique to look like faux marble.
Fake
To pretend; to feign.
He faked a smile to avoid further questions.
Faux
Serving as an ethical alternative to real materials.
She chose faux pearls for her jewelry to avoid exploiting natural resources.
Fake
To forge or reproduce something for deceitful purposes.
They were caught faking signatures.
Faux
Relating to fashion or decor.
Faux finishes are popular in interior design.
Fake
Not genuine; imitation or counterfeit
She got on the plane with a fake passport
A fake Cockney accent
Faux
Made in imitation; artificial
A faux-fur jacket
A rope of faux pearls
Fake
A thing that is not genuine; a forgery or sham
Fakes of Old Masters
Faux
Artificial; fake
Faux pearls.
Fake
Variant spelling of flake
Faux
Or artificial.
Fake
Forge or counterfeit (something)
She faked her spouse's signature
Faux
See Fauces.
Fake
Variant spelling of flake
Faux
Not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article;
It isn't fake anything; it's real synthetic fur
Faux pearls
False teeth
Decorated with imitation palm leaves
A purse of simulated alligator hide
Fake
Having a false or misleading appearance; fraudulent.
Fake
One that is not authentic or genuine; a sham.
Fake
(Sports) A brief feint or aborted change of direction intended to mislead one's opponent or the opposing team.
Fake
One loop or winding of a coiled rope or cable.
Fake
To contrive and present as genuine; counterfeit
Fake a signature.
Fake
To simulate; feign
Faked his death so his wife would collect insurance money.
Fake
(Music) To improvise (a passage).
Fake
(Sports) To deceive (an opponent) with a fake. Often used with out.
Fake
To engage in feigning, simulation, or other deceptive activity.
Fake
(Sports) To perform a fake.
Fake
To coil (a rope or cable).
Fake
Not real; false, fraudulent
Which fur coat looks fake?
Fake
(of people) Insincere
Fake
Something which is not genuine, or is presented fraudulently.
I suspect this passport is a fake.
Fake
(sports) A move meant to deceive an opposing player, used for gaining advantage for example when dribbling an opponent.
Fake
(archaic) A trick; a swindle
Fake
(nautical) One of the circles or windings of a cable or hawser, as it lies in a coil; a single turn or coil.
Fake
(transitive) To make a counterfeit, to counterfeit, to forge, to falsify.
Fake
(transitive) To make a false display of, to affect, to feign, to simulate.
To fake a marriage
To fake happiness
To fake a smile
Fake
(archaic) To cheat; to swindle; to steal; to rob.
Fake
(archaic) To modify fraudulently, so as to make an object appear better or other than it really is
Fake
To improvise, in jazz.
Fake
(nautical) To coil (a rope, line, or hawser), by winding alternately in opposite directions, in layers usually of zigzag or figure of eight form, to prevent twisting when running out.
Fake
One of the circles or windings of a cable or hawser, as it lies in a coil; a single turn or coil.
Fake
A trick; a swindle.
Fake
To coil (a rope, line, or hawser), by winding alternately in opposite directions, in layers usually of zigzag or figure of eight form,, to prevent twisting when running out.
Fake
To cheat; to swindle; to steal; to rob.
Fake
To make; to construct; to do.
Fake
To manipulate fraudulently, so as to make an object appear better or other than it really is; as, to fake a bulldog, by burning his upper lip and thus artificially shortening it.
Fake
Something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
Fake
A person who makes deceitful pretenses
Fake
(football) a deceptive move made by a football player
Fake
Make a copy of with the intent to deceive;
He faked the signature
They counterfeited dollar bills
She forged a Green Card
Fake
Fake or falsify;
Fudge the figures
Cook the books
Falsify the data
Fake
Talk through one's hat;
The politician was not well prepared for the debate and faked it
Fake
Fraudulent; having a misleading appearance
Fake
Not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article;
It isn't fake anything; it's real synthetic fur
Faux pearls
False teeth
Decorated with imitation palm leaves
A purse of simulated alligator hide
Common Curiosities
What does "faux" mean?
"Faux" refers to imitations that mimic real materials or products but are considered more ethical or fashionable.
What does "fake" generally imply?
"Fake" implies a dishonest or counterfeit imitation intended to deceive.
Can "fake" be used as a verb?
Yes, "fake" can function as a verb, meaning to pretend or create a deceitful imitation.
What are common products described as "faux"?
Common faux products include faux fur, faux leather, and faux wood.
Can "fake" imply something temporary?
Yes, "fake" can also suggest a temporary or superficial state, such as faking happiness or a fake tan.
How does the usage of "fake" differ in legal contexts compared to "faux"?
In legal contexts, "fake" often relates to fraudulent activities and counterfeit goods, whereas "faux" is not typically used in legal language due to its association with non-deceptive imitation.
Is "faux" ever used to describe emotions or behaviors?
"Faux" is rarely used to describe emotions or behaviors; it primarily pertains to materials and products.
Why might someone prefer "faux" products over genuine ones?
Reasons include ethical beliefs, such as animal rights or environmental concerns, and practical reasons like cost and maintenance.
Is "faux" used negatively?
"Faux" is typically used in a neutral or positive context, especially when referring to ethical choices in materials.
Are there ethical implications associated with using "faux" materials?
Yes, choosing "faux" materials often reflects ethical considerations, such as animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Can "faux" be considered environmentally friendly?
While "faux" products can be environmentally friendly, especially as alternatives to animal products, the environmental impact varies based on materials and production processes.
What is a common misconception about "faux"?
A common misconception is that "faux" items are of lower quality, but many are high-quality and designed to be durable and stylish.
How is "fake" used in digital and media contexts?
"Fake" is widely used in terms like "fake news," referring to misinformation and disinformation spread via media.
Does "fake" have any positive connotations?
Generally, "fake" has negative connotations, but it can be seen positively in contexts like "fake it till you make it," encouraging resilience.
What is the origin of the word "faux"?
"Faux" comes from French, meaning false, and is used in English to describe imitation products.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
