bogus
Meaning
Fake, false, or not genuine.
Tone & use
Informal and direct; it can describe an object, excuse, reason, or claim.
Example
“The seller’s claim that the watch was antique turned out to be bogus.”
NegativeInformal
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Processed with VS1Real or Bogus? Checking What’s Genuine
Distinguish genuine claims from phony excuses, unsupported stories, and clear evidence.
VOA source audio
Words and Their Stories · 4:27
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptRead the full lesson summary
The episode explains “bogus” for something fake or untrue and connects it to “phony,” “counterfeit,” and “sham.” It also gives the idiom “doesn’t hold water” for an explanation that is not convincing or supported.
Cultural note: “Bogus” is informal and can sound blunt when applied to a person’s explanation. In work or service settings, a neutral phrase such as “I can’t verify that claim” may be more constructive.
Keep exploringWhen a claim seems suspicious, separate what you know from what you suspect. Practise questioning the evidence without jumping to accusations.
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Explore the expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Genuine or fake
Describe whether an object or claim is authentic.
genuine
Meaning
Real, authentic, or sincerely felt.
Tone & use
A neutral word for objects and feelings. For factual claims, use it only when evidence supports authenticity.
Example
“The gallery confirmed the painting was genuine.”
PositiveNeutral
counterfeit
Meaning
Made to look like something genuine, usually to deceive.
Tone & use
More formal than “fake”; often used for money, goods, or documents.
Example
“The shop trained staff to recognize counterfeit bills.”
NegativeFormal / neutral
Reasons and evidence
Explain why a story does or does not seem believable.
doesn’t hold water
Meaning
Is not convincing or cannot be supported by facts.
Tone & use
Often used about an argument, explanation, or excuse. It focuses on credibility, not literal water.
Example
“The explanation doesn’t hold water because the receipt shows the package was delivered later.”
NegativeInformal / idiomatic
A made-up cover story
Recognize language for a false or invented situation.
phony
Meaning
Not real or sincere; designed to deceive.
Tone & use
Informal and critical, especially when describing behavior or an excuse.
Example
“The caller used a phony name and refused to explain why he needed the account number.”
NegativeInformal
a sham
Meaning
A false or deceptive situation presented as genuine.
Tone & use
Often describes a plan, process, or event that is not what it claims to be.
Example
“The investigation found that the supposed contest was a sham.”
NegativeNeutral / critical
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