poser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal, slightly pejorative
Quick answer
What does “poser” mean?
A person who behaves in an affected, artificial, or pretentious way in order to impress others.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who behaves in an affected, artificial, or pretentious way in order to impress others; someone pretending to be something they are not.
A difficult or perplexing question or problem (chiefly British).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'poser' can also mean a tricky question or problem. American English uses only the 'pretentious person' meaning.
Connotations
Always negative when referring to a person. The 'question/problem' meaning is neutral.
Frequency
The 'person' meaning is common in both varieties. The 'question' meaning is exclusively British and less frequent.
Grammar
How to Use “poser” in a Sentence
He's a bit of a poser.That's a real poser of a question.She accused him of being a poser.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “poser” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He's such a poser with his new designer glasses.
- The final exam question was a real poser.
- Don't be such a poser, just be yourself.
American English
- Everyone knew he was a poser who knew nothing about jazz.
- She called him a poser for wearing a band t-shirt of a group he'd never heard.
- The guy at the skate park is a total poser.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used informally to describe someone inauthentically adopting business jargon.
Academic
Rare in formal writing, possible in social sciences discussing identity performance.
Everyday
Common in informal criticism of someone's affected behaviour.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “poser”
- Confusing with 'poseur' (more formal/literary synonym).
- Using for someone who is simply confident or stylish.
- Misspelling as 'pozer'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a criticism implying someone is insincere and trying too hard to create a certain image.
'Poseur' is a direct French borrowing, often used in more formal or artistic contexts. 'Poser' is the fully anglicized, more common informal term. They are synonyms.
Yes, absolutely. While sometimes perceived as male-centric, it is grammatically and semantically neutral (e.g., 'She's such a poser').
It is recognised in British English but is less common than the 'pretentious person' meaning. It has a slightly old-fashioned or literary feel.
A person who behaves in an affected, artificial, or pretentious way in order to impress others.
Poser is usually informal, slightly pejorative in register.
Poser: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpəʊzə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpoʊzər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All pose and no substance.”
- “Posing for the gallery.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone constantly striking a 'POSE' in the mirror - a POSER.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHENTICITY IS SOLID / PRETENCE IS A FACADE. A poser is a hollow facade.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English can 'poser' mean a difficult question?