Fugazi

Definition Meaning

A deliberately constructed illusion designed to deceive masses, presenting false value in systems, ideologies, or frameworks while masking their inherent emptiness or dysfunction.

Part of Speech

• noun
• adjective

Usage Examples

• The government's promises were just a Fugazi - the officials kept supporting broken systems while ignoring reality and consequences.
• Their corporate diversity initiative was just a Fugazi to avoid actual change.

Synonyms

• Sham
• Facade
• Potemkin village
• Simulacrum

Antonyms

• Authentic system
• Verified framework
• Transparent construct

Related Words

• Grift
• Smoke and mirrors
• Ponzi scheme
• Ideological capture

Disambiguating Definition

A Fugazi refers to any intentionally deceptive construct that bypasses scrutiny through systemic acceptance.

Word History

Originating from Italian-American slang meaning 'fake' or 'broken', the term was later adopted as the military acronym F'ckd Up, Got Ambushed, Zipped In' (FUGAZI). It gained mainstream recognition through The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), where it described deliberately vacuous system that persist through collective belief. The concept extends beyond finance to describe ideological scams and systemic deceptions.

Word Illustration

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