dissimulions

Dissimulions are individuals or entities defined by their sustained practice or inherent capacity for dissimulation—concealing or misrepresenting one's true intentions, emotions, or identities. The term appears in speculative fiction, philosophy of mind, and social theory to name a class of agents whose outward behavior is not a reliable indicator of inner state.

Etymology and origins: Coined in the late 20th or early 21st century as a blend of dissimulation and the suffix -ion, dissimulion has been used more in fiction and critical discourse than in formal psychology. It connotes deliberate performance rather than accidental concealment.

Characteristics: Dissimulions typically employ strategic ambiguity, selective disclosure, and calibrated expressions. They may use scripted dialogue, micro-expressions, or socio-linguistic techniques to maintain plausible deniability. Some depictions grant them specialized training or innate sensitivity to social cues that speed disguise.

In fiction and media: Dissimulions often appear as spies, diplomats, or shapeshifters who navigate alliances by masking true motives. They are used to explore themes of trust, identity, and the fragility of appearances, sometimes raising questions about authenticity in social interaction.

Real-world context and ethics: The concept parallels broader debates about deception and social camouflage. While not a clinical diagnosis, dissimulions raise concerns about trust, consent, and manipulation, prompting discussions about detection, transparency, and boundaries in interpersonal and institutional settings.

See also: deception, camouflage, masking, social engineering, impostor phenomenon.