charlatan
Meaning: A person falsely claiming to have special knowledge or skill; a fraud.
Charlatan is a strongly pejorative term applied to anyone who deceives others by pretending to have abilities, qualifications, or knowledge they do not possess. It is most commonly used in contexts involving medicine, science, self-help, and professional expertise. The word implies deliberate deception for personal gain, distinguishing it from mere incompetence. It collocates with 'exposed as,' 'unmasked,' and 'self-proclaimed.'
Examples
- The so-called healer was exposed as a charlatan who had no medical qualifications whatsoever. 这位所谓的治疗师被揭露为一个没有任何医学资质的骗子。El supuesto sanador fue desenmascarado como un charlatán sin ninguna cualificación médica.その自称治療師は、医療資格をまったく持たないペテン師であることが暴露された。그 자칭 치료사는 의료 자격이 전혀 없는 사기꾼이었음이 폭로되었다.
- History is littered with charlatans who made fortunes selling miracle cures. 历史上充斥着靠贩卖灵丹妙药发财的骗子。La historia está plagada de charlatanes que hicieron fortuna vendiendo remedios milagrosos.歴史は、奇跡の治療薬を売って財を成したペテン師たちであふれている。역사에는 기적의 치료제를 팔아 재산을 모은 사기꾼들이 넘쳐난다.
- She saw through the charlatan's confident patter and refused to invest a penny. 她看穿了骗子自信的花言巧语,一分钱也不肯投资。Ella vio a través de la cháchara convincente del charlatán y se negó a invertir un solo penique.彼女はペテン師の自信に満ちた口上を見破り、一銭も投資しなかった。그녀는 사기꾼의 자신만만한 말솜씨를 간파하고 단 한 푼도 투자하지 않았다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: media, professional, general
Tone: negative
Origin & History
From French charlatan, from Italian ciarlatano (a quack or mountebank), probably from ciarlare (to chatter, babble). The word entered English in the early 17th century, originally describing travelling salesmen who used elaborate patter to sell dubious remedies.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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