Csalóka

Csalóka is a Hungarian adjective meaning deceptive, misleading, or appearing real but not actually so. It describes something that tempts with the appearance of reality while failing to deliver, and it can apply to promises, situations, appearances, or phenomena that are illusory or unreliable. The term is versatile, used in both everyday speech and literary contexts, and it often signals that initial plausibility should be questioned.

Etymology: The word derives from the verb csalni, meaning to cheat or deceive, with the suffix -ka forming an adjective that conveys the sense of “deceptive” or “illusory.” The nuance is that the appeal is convincing at first glance but ultimately false.

Usage: Csalóka is typically used for non-human or abstract targets such as statements, plans, promises, or appearances. For example, one might speak of a “csalóka ígéret” (a deceptive promise) or a “csalóka remény” (an illusory hope). It can also describe visual or perceptual effects, particularly in poetic or descriptive prose, where things seem real but mislead the observer.

Synonyms and related terms include megtévesztő (misleading), illuzórikus (illusory), and látszólagos (apparent). Antonyms include őszinte (honest), valós (real), and nyílt (open).

See also: csalás, megtévesztés, illúzió, látszat.