Phony
来自Big Physics
late 19th century: of unknown origin.
wiktionary
Of unknown origin. Perhaps an alteration of fawney(“gilt brass ring used by swindlers”) (1781), from Irish fáinne(“ring”).
etymonline
phony (adj.)
also phoney, "not genuine," 1899, perhaps an alteration of fawney "gilt brass ring used by swindlers."
His most successful swindle was selling "painted" or "phony" diamonds. He had a plan of taking cheap stones, and by "doctoring" them make them have a brilliant and high class appearance. His confederates would then take the diamonds to other pawnbrokers and dispose of them. ["The Jewelers Review," New York, April 5, 1899]
The noun meaning "phony person or thing" is attested from 1902.
