postiche: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Low-FrequencyFormal, Technical (hairdressing, costume design), sometimes Pejorative
Quick answer
What does “postiche” mean?
A false hairpiece, such as a wig or toupee.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A false hairpiece, such as a wig or toupee.
Anything that is artificial, fake, or added as a superficial embellishment; an imitation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is extremely low in both varieties. It is slightly more likely to be encountered in British contexts related to theatre or period drama.
Connotations
In both, the term can sound pretentious or old-fashioned. In American English, 'wig', 'hairpiece', or 'toupee' are overwhelmingly preferred.
Frequency
Very rare in general spoken or written English.
Grammar
How to Use “postiche” in a Sentence
[Adjective] + postichepostiche + [Preposition] + [Noun] (e.g., postiche of human hair)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “postiche” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The portrait's postiche elegance failed to impress the critics.
American English
- He dismissed the proposal as mere postiche innovation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the niche business of theatrical or high-fashion wig supply.
Academic
Found in historical or theatrical studies discussing costume and appearance.
Everyday
Virtually unused; would be considered a very unusual word choice.
Technical
Standard term in wig-making, hairdressing, and costume design professions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “postiche”
- Incorrect Pronunciation: /ˈpɒstɪk/ or /ˈpɒstɪtʃ/.
- Using as a verb (e.g., 'to postiche').
- Spelling: 'postish', 'posteache'.
- Assuming it is a common synonym for 'wig'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's a more formal and specific term, often used professionally in theatre and hairdressing. It can also refer more broadly to any false addition.
It comes from the French word 'postiche', meaning 'false' or 'superadded', which itself derives from the Italian 'posticcio' ('false', 'counterfeit').
No, it would sound very unusual, archaic, or pretentious. 'Wig' or 'hairpiece' are the standard everyday terms.
Yes, though rarely. As an adjective, it means 'artificial' or 'superficially added', often in a critical sense (e.g., 'postiche decorations').
A false hairpiece, such as a wig or toupee.
Postiche is usually formal, technical (hairdressing, costume design), sometimes pejorative in register.
Postiche: in British English it is pronounced /pɒˈstiːʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɑːˈstiːʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
POSTICHE sounds like 'post-it' + 'she'. Imagine a SHE sticking a POST-IT note with fake hair on her head as a makeshift hairpiece.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHENTICITY IS SOLID/REAL; FAKERY IS SUPERFICIAL/ADDED-ON. A 'postiche' is something stuck on the surface.
Practice
Quiz
In which professional context is the term 'postiche' most neutrally and commonly used?