bogus

Bogus is an English adjective meaning not genuine; fake, counterfeit, or intended to deceive. It can describe objects such as a bogus passport, claims such as bogus statistics, or processes such as bogus certifications. In everyday language, it is often used to express skepticism or condemnation of something perceived as fraudulent.

Etymology: The origins of the term are uncertain. It first appears in American English in the 19th century, and its precise derivation remains unclear. Because of its vague roots, the word has become a general-purpose label for anything thought to be fake or fraudulent, rather than a term tied to a specific kind of deception.

Usage: In journalism, law, and consumer communication, bogus signals that something is not legitimate and may be illegal or deceptive. It is often used as a less severe alternative to terms like fraudulent or counterfeit, or as colloquial emphasis in informal speech. Common expressions include bogus claims, bogus websites, and bogus insurance claims.

See also: counterfeit, fraud, hoax, fake, sham.