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C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈəʊzə/
US
- /ˈpoʊzər/
Meanings
Noun
a person who affects an image or identity to seem cooler, more authentic, or more knowledgeable than they are
a difficult question or problem
a person who poses for an artist, photographer, or display
Beyond the definition
A "poser" is usually someone who tries to look like they belong to a group or lifestyle without really living it or understanding it. It is less about telling direct lies and more about putting on a style, image, or attitude that feels fake. Think of someone wearing all the punk gear, talking like they are deeply into the scene, but knowing nothing about the music and only doing it to look cool. That person might be called a poser. The word often has a negative tone and suggests that someone is shallow or not genuine. It is especially common in subcultures like music scenes, skateboarding, or art communities, where people care about real interest and involvement, not just the look.
The word "poser" describes someone who pretends to be something they are not, often in order to impress others or fit into a particular group. It's more than just lying; it's about adopting the appearance of belonging without having the substance to back it up. The term gained significant traction within skateboarding and punk rock subcultures in the 1980s, used to describe people who dressed the part but lacked the skill or dedication to truly be considered members of those communities.
Today, "poser" is used more broadly. It can refer to someone pretending to have expertise they don't possess ("He's a marketing poser – all talk and no results!"), feigning interest in something for social gain ("She pretends to love indie films just to seem cool"), or simply adopting a superficial version of a lifestyle without understanding its core values.
The implication is that the person isn't genuine, and their performance feels contrived. It's often used with a tone of dismissal or scorn. While sometimes playful, calling someone a poser can be quite insulting, suggesting they are inauthentic and trying too hard to appear to be something they aren't. Beyond social labels, the word also has a second, more formal meaning: a particularly difficult or puzzling question. However, in modern English, it is most frequently used to highlight a disconnect between outward presentation and inner reality – the gap between seeming and being.
Examples
- 1
Music scene
He wore a band T-shirt but couldn't name a single song, so people at the party called him a poser.
- Caution
calling someone a poser is insulting
- 2
New hobby
Don't call her a poser just because she started skateboarding last year.
- 3
Self-doubt
I wanted to ask a question, but I was afraid I would sound like a poser.
- 4
Quiz problem
The last question in the quiz was a real poser.
- Phrasea real poser
a very difficult question or problem
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Business problem
How to cut costs without losing staff is the real poser for the company.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- posernoun
Forms
- poserspluralnoun