Sham
/ʃæm/noun
Something false, counterfeit, or pretended.
Did you know?By the 18th century, English was using sham for frauds, impostors, and fake objects, but its deeper origin is uncertain and may be connected to older slang for deception rather than a single clean root.
Etymological Timeline
17th Century
English
sham
“An imposture; a trick or hoax.”
17th Century
English
sham
“Something made to look real but actually false or counterfeit.”
Uncertain
English / Slang
sham
“A term of unclear origin, probably arising in English slang for deception or feigning.”
Modern English
English
sham
“Something false, bogus, or pretended.”