Sometimes people pretend to be something they are not. They might act friendly but mean something else. This is called being fake. It’s not always easy to tell when someone is fake, but similes can help us describe them. Similes compare one thing to another using “like” or “as.” They make it easier to understand and explain things.
In this article, we will look at similes that help us talk about fake people or things. These comparisons are fun to read and easy to use. They can help you spot fake behavior and talk about it in a smart way. Whether it’s someone pretending to be your friend or something that looks real but isn’t, these similes will give you the words to describe it.
Similes for Fake
1. As fake as a plastic flower
Meaning: Not real or natural.
Example Sentence:
• Her smile was as fake as a plastic flower.
• That apology was as fake as a plastic flower.
Other ways to say: Not genuine, made-up
Fun Fact/Origin: Plastic flowers are made to look like real ones but are not alive.
Usage: Used when someone or something is pretending to be real.
2. As fake as play money
Meaning: Looks real but has no value.
Example Sentence:
• His promise was as fake as play money.
• That ID was as fake as play money.
Other ways to say: Worthless, not true
Fun Fact/Origin: Play money is used in games and has no real use.
Usage: Used when something looks real but isn’t useful or honest.
3. Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing
Meaning: Someone who looks nice but hides bad intentions.
Example Sentence:
• Don’t trust him—he’s like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
• She seemed kind, but she was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Other ways to say: Hiding true self, tricky
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from stories where wolves trick sheep by dressing like them.
Usage: Used to warn about someone pretending to be good.
4. As fake as a cardboard crown
Meaning: Pretending to be important or fancy.
Example Sentence:
• He acts like a king, but he’s as fake as a cardboard crown.
• That party was as fake as a cardboard crown.
Other ways to say: Pretend, not real
Fun Fact/Origin: Cardboard crowns look royal but are cheap and break easily.
Usage: Used when someone acts fancier than they are.
5. As fake as a TV smile
Meaning: Forced and not sincere.
Example Sentence:
• Her kindness felt as fake as a TV smile.
• He waved with a smile as fake as a TV smile.
Other ways to say: Phony, not true
Fun Fact/Origin: On TV, people often smile even when they don’t mean it.
Usage: Used when someone fakes their feelings.
6. Like a mask at Halloween
Meaning: Hiding the real self.
Example Sentence:
• He acts brave, but it’s just like a mask at Halloween.
• She’s nice to teachers but mean to us—it’s a Halloween mask.
Other ways to say: Pretending, hiding true self
Fun Fact/Origin: People wear masks on Halloween to pretend to be someone else.
Usage: Used when someone covers who they really are.
7. As fake as a rubber apple
Meaning: Looks real but isn’t.
Example Sentence:
• That story was as fake as a rubber apple.
• The food looked tasty, but it was as fake as a rubber apple.
Other ways to say: Looks real, isn’t real
Fun Fact/Origin: Rubber apples are used for decoration, not eating.
Usage: Used when something looks real but is not true.
8. As fake as a three-dollar bill
Meaning: Completely not real.
Example Sentence:
• His excuse was as fake as a three-dollar bill.
• That video looked as fake as a three-dollar bill.
Other ways to say: Made up, not real
Fun Fact/Origin: There is no such thing as a real three-dollar bill.
Usage: Used for something totally false.
9. As fake as a stuffed animal’s roar
Meaning: Pretends to be strong but isn’t.
Example Sentence:
• He shouted, but it was as fake as a stuffed animal’s roar.
• Her warning was as fake as a stuffed animal’s roar.
Other ways to say: Weak, not scary
Fun Fact/Origin: Stuffed animals can’t roar like real ones.
Usage: Used when someone tries to act scary or tough but isn’t.
10. Like a shadow puppet
Meaning: Looks like something real but isn’t alive.
Example Sentence:
• The plan looked great, but it was like a shadow puppet.
• His promises were like shadow puppets—just tricks.
Other ways to say: Illusion, not solid
Fun Fact/Origin: Shadow puppets move like real people, but they are just shapes.
Usage: Used for things that look real but are not useful or true.
11. As fake as a paper mustache
Meaning: Something clearly not real.
Example Sentence:
• His tough act was as fake as a paper mustache.
• That laugh was as fake as a paper mustache.
Other ways to say: Silly, obviously fake
Fun Fact/Origin: Paper mustaches are often used in costumes but don’t fool anyone.
Usage: Used when something is clearly not real or serious.
12. Like a toy crown on a dog
Meaning: Pretending to be something it’s not.
Example Sentence:
• She talks like a queen, but it’s like a toy crown on a dog.
• That trophy felt like a toy crown on a dog.
Other ways to say: Silly, doesn’t fit
Fun Fact/Origin: A toy crown on a dog looks funny and doesn’t belong.
Usage: Used when someone is pretending in a silly or obvious way.
13. As fake as a magic trick
Meaning: Meant to fool people.
Example Sentence:
• His story was as fake as a magic trick.
• That video was as fake as a magic trick.
Other ways to say: Trick, illusion
Fun Fact/Origin: Magic tricks look real but are just illusions.
Usage: Used when something is done to trick others.
14. As fake as a snowman in July
Meaning: Something that doesn’t belong.
Example Sentence:
• Her winter coat in summer was as fake as a snowman in July.
• His act was as fake as a snowman in July.
Other ways to say: Out of place, false
Fun Fact/Origin: Snow melts in July, so a snowman would never last.
Usage: Used when something feels wrong or out of time.
15. Like glitter on mud
Meaning: Trying to cover up something bad.
Example Sentence:
• Her nice words were like glitter on mud.
• That apology was like glitter on mud.
Other ways to say: Covering up, trying to fool
Fun Fact/Origin: Glitter may shine, but it can’t hide dirt.
Usage: Used when someone tries to hide bad behavior.
16. As fake as a smile on a scarecrow
Meaning: Not real or alive.
Example Sentence:
• His cheerful look was as fake as a smile on a scarecrow.
• That “friendly” wave was as fake as a smile on a scarecrow.
Other ways to say: Lifeless, pretend
Fun Fact/Origin: Scarecrows are made of straw and don’t feel anything.
Usage: Used when someone pretends to be happy.
17. As fake as a rubber chicken
Meaning: Not serious or believable.
Example Sentence:
• His threat was as fake as a rubber chicken.
• That scream was as fake as a rubber chicken.
Other ways to say: Joke, silly
Fun Fact/Origin: Rubber chickens are used in comedy and aren’t real.
Usage: Used when something is laughably fake.
18. As fake as a movie set town
Meaning: Looks real on the outside, but isn’t.
Example Sentence:
• The place looked nice, but it was as fake as a movie set town.
• Her kindness felt as fake as a movie set town.
Other ways to say: Hollow, just for show
Fun Fact/Origin: Movie towns are often just fronts with nothing behind.
Usage: Used when something seems real but has no depth.
19. Like a sticker mustache
Meaning: Clearly pretend.
Example Sentence:
• He tried to look older, but it was like a sticker mustache.
• Her voice sounded fake, like a sticker mustache.
Other ways to say: Pretend, not convincing
Fun Fact/Origin: Sticker mustaches are common in costume sets.
Usage: Used when someone is clearly pretending.
20. As fake as a unicorn at a petting zoo
Meaning: Impossible or made up.
Example Sentence:
• That story was as fake as a unicorn at a petting zoo.
• His excuse was as fake as a unicorn at a petting zoo.
Other ways to say: Imaginary, not real
Fun Fact/Origin: Unicorns aren’t real animals, but kids love to pretend they are.
Usage: Used for clearly made-up stories.
21. As fake as a cardboard TV
Meaning: Doesn’t work like the real thing.
Example Sentence:
• That gift was as fake as a cardboard TV.
• His friendship was as fake as a cardboard TV.
Other ways to say: Doesn’t work, false
Fun Fact/Origin: A cardboard TV may look real but shows nothing.
Usage: Used when something can’t do what it’s supposed to.
22. Like a smile in a drawing
Meaning: Looks happy, but isn’t real.
Example Sentence:
• His joy was like a smile in a drawing.
• That reaction was like a smile in a drawing.
Other ways to say: Emotionless, not true
Fun Fact/Origin: A drawn smile can’t change or feel.
Usage: Used for people faking their feelings.
23. As fake as a cookie made of clay
Meaning: Looks good, but not real.
Example Sentence:
• That dessert was as fake as a cookie made of clay.
• His compliments were as fake as a cookie made of clay.
Other ways to say: Looks nice, not useful
Fun Fact/Origin: Clay cookies are used for play, not eating.
Usage: Used when something is attractive but useless.
24. As fake as a compliment from a robot
Meaning: Doesn’t sound real or from the heart.
Example Sentence:
• Her praise was as fake as a compliment from a robot.
• That thank-you felt as fake as a compliment from a robot.
Other ways to say: Cold, not heartfelt
Fun Fact/Origin: Robots don’t have feelings, so their words feel empty.
Usage: Used when words don’t feel honest.
25. Like flowers printed on paper
Meaning: Looks nice, but has no life.
Example Sentence:
• Her apology was like flowers printed on paper.
• That gift felt like flowers printed on paper.
Other ways to say: Pretty, but lifeless
Fun Fact/Origin: Printed flowers don’t smell or grow.
Usage: Used when something is only nice on the outside.
26. As fake as a magician’s rabbit
Meaning: Used just to fool someone.
Example Sentence:
• His surprise was as fake as a magician’s rabbit.
• That trick was as fake as a magician’s rabbit.
Other ways to say: Trick, not true
Fun Fact/Origin: Magicians use hidden tricks, not real magic.
Usage: Used when something is done to fool others.
27. As fake as gold paint on plastic
Meaning: Pretending to be fancy, but isn’t.
Example Sentence:
• His watch was as fake as gold paint on plastic.
• That ring was as fake as gold paint on plastic.
Other ways to say: Cheap, just painted
Fun Fact/Origin: Gold paint can make anything look expensive.
Usage: Used for things that pretend to have value.
28. Like ice cream made of soap
Meaning: Looks tasty but is useless.
Example Sentence:
• That offer was like ice cream made of soap.
• His kind words were like ice cream made of soap.
Other ways to say: False, useless
Fun Fact/Origin: Soap can be shaped to look like food.
Usage: Used when something is tricking the eyes.
29. As fake as a painted smile on a doll
Meaning: Looks happy but has no feeling.
Example Sentence:
• Her emotions were as fake as a painted smile on a doll.
• That answer was as fake as a painted smile on a doll.
Other ways to say: Lifeless, pretend
Fun Fact/Origin: Dolls smile the same way all the time.
Usage: Used when people pretend to be happy.
30. As fake as snow in a snow globe
Meaning: Not natural or real.
Example Sentence:
• That winter scene was as fake as snow in a snow globe.
• His story was as fake as snow in a snow globe.
Other ways to say: Unnatural, not true
Fun Fact/Origin: Snow globes have fake snow that floats in water.
Usage: Used when something is not real, just made to look pretty.
Quiz: Similes for Fake
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “as fake as a plastic flower” mean?
A) Very colorful
B) Not real
C) Easy to find
2. If someone’s smile is “as fake as a TV smile,” what does it mean?
A) They are acting for fun
B) Their smile is not sincere
C) They are smiling all day
3. What does “like a wolf in sheep’s clothing” describe?
A) A person pretending to be nice
B) A person who likes animals
C) A person wearing warm clothes
4. When someone is “as fake as a three-dollar bill,” what are they like?
A) Very valuable
B) Not real at all
C) Really honest
5. If a warning is “as fake as a stuffed animal’s roar,” what does that mean?
A) It is funny
B) It sounds cute
C) It isn’t scary or real
6. What does “like a mask at Halloween” mean?
A) Pretending to be someone else
B) Wearing a costume for fun
C) Being scared of masks
7. What does “as fake as a snowman in July” mean?
A) Cold and refreshing
B) Out of place and not real
C) A winter favorite
8. What does “as fake as a compliment from a robot” mean?
A) Said kindly
B) Very smart
C) Not full of real feeling
9. What is “like glitter on mud” trying to say?
A) It makes things cleaner
B) It tries to hide something bad
C) It adds sparkle for fun
10. What does “as fake as a cookie made of clay” mean?
A) It tastes great
B) It looks tasty but isn’t real
C) It’s too soft to eat
11. What does “like a smile in a drawing” describe?
A) A smile that never fades
B) A very happy person
C) A smile that isn’t real or alive
12. If something is “as fake as snow in a snow globe,” what does it mean?
A) It looks pretty but isn’t real
B) It melts quickly
C) It’s cold and wet
Answer Key
- B) Not real
- B) Their smile is not sincere
- A) A person pretending to be nice
- B) Not real at all
- C) It isn’t scary or real
- A) Pretending to be someone else
- B) Out of place and not real
- C) Not full of real feeling
- B) It tries to hide something bad
- B) It looks tasty but isn’t real
- C) A smile that isn’t real or alive
- A) It looks pretty but isn’t real
Wrapping Up
Fake things may look good, but they often let us down. These similes help us talk about fake actions, words, and feelings in simple and clear ways. When you notice someone pretending, now you have the words to describe it. You can also spot fake things and explain them better.
By using similes, you make your language stronger. These comparisons can help others understand what you mean quickly and clearly.
