Charlatan
A person who pretends to have knowledge or skill they do not possess; a fraud or faker.
nounCharlatan
A person who pretends to have knowledge or skill they do not possess; a fraud or faker.
nounImagine This
A film director needs a character who speaks Latin. Martin applies for that character role, but the director refuses to accept him, saying, 'You impostor! You can't speak Latin at all! I need a Latin-speaking character!'
Sounds Like
CHAR-luh-tan
Looks Like
charlatan
Remember This
Charlatan often refers to someone who uses charm and deception to sell fake expertise or remedies. The term historically connects to mountebanks who boasted expertise to gull customers.
Other Forms
Connect With
fraud, impostor, phony, fake, sham, quack
Note
Do not confuse with impostor; a charlatan deceives with claimed skill or knowledge, not just identity. The term usually implies fraudulent expertise or medical/professional claims.