pretentiös

Pretentiös is a German adjective used to describe someone or something that exhibits pretentiousness. This means displaying an exaggerated or affected sense of importance, intellect, or talent. A pretentiös person often tries to impress others with their supposed knowledge or sophistication, but their efforts are seen as insincere or artificial. The behavior can manifest in various ways, such as using overly complex language unnecessarily, adopting airs of superiority, or showing off accomplishments in a boastful manner. The term carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of genuine substance behind the outward display. It suggests a desire to be perceived as more than one actually is. Things can also be described as pretentiös, such as a piece of art that seems to overreach its artistic merit or a restaurant menu that uses elaborate descriptions for simple dishes. Essentially, something pretentiös is characterized by an unwarranted claim to greatness or importance.