feigned outrage

USAGE SUMMARY

"feigned outrage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an expression of outrage that is not sincere or genuine. For example: "The politician's feigned outrage was obvious to all in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Recoil, feigned outrage – secret fascination?

The Guardian - Arts

After the audience politely applauded his entrance, he feigned outrage.

The New York Times

James P. Manley, a spokesman for Mr. Reid, said the Republicans were expressing "feigned outrage".

The New York Times

When we gave them the blank contract, he feigned outrage at the contract, but he was delighted".

The New York Times - Sports

He laughed, feigned outrage and got down to work, hitting several more shots, several of which threatened to go in the hole before rolling a few feet past.

The New York Times

Why do we persist in propping up this peculiar tradition through hate-watching, feigned outrage, smarm, and incessant armchair quarterbacking the day after?

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Those are trade secrets!" he said, feigning outrage.

The New York Times

Feigning outrage, Marc grabbed the form from Vassili's hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

'What do you think we are?' says George, feigning outrage.

The Guardian - Arts

"Why did they take Kim out?" Frazier said, feigning outrage.

The New York Times - Sports

And if that happens, you can't feign outrage over their subsequent response.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feigned outrage" to clearly convey that someone is expressing anger or shock in a disingenuous or insincere manner. This is particularly effective when analyzing political rhetoric or social commentary.

Common error

Avoid using "feigned outrage" when the context suggests someone is truly disappointed or upset. "Feigned outrage" implies a deliberate act of insincerity, not authentic emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feigned outrage" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "feigned" modifies the noun "outrage". It typically serves to describe a specific instance or quality of simulated or insincere anger or shock, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feigned outrage" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe insincere or pretended anger. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to express skepticism about the genuineness of someone's displayed outrage. Alternatives such as "simulated indignation" or "false indignation" offer similar meanings, though each carries subtle nuances. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects a deliberate act of insincerity, rather than genuine disappointment. It's a powerful tool for critical analysis, particularly in dissecting political and social commentary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simulated indignation

Replaces "outrage" with "indignation", providing a more formal and nuanced synonym, while "simulated" directly reflects the insincerity.

false indignation

Uses "false" instead of "feigned", indicating a lack of genuineness in the expressed indignation.

mock indignation

Emphasizes the imitative or derisive quality of the indignation.

sham outrage

Replaces "feigned" with "sham", stressing the deceptive nature of the outrage.

contrived outrage

Highlights the artificial and planned nature of the expressed outrage.

affected outrage

Suggests that the outrage is put on or deliberately displayed to create an impression.

insincere outrage

Directly points out the lack of sincerity behind the display of outrage.

ostensible outrage

Indicates that the outrage is presented or appears to be true, but may not be.

pretended outrage

Uses "pretended" as a more straightforward synonym for "feigned", conveying a similar meaning of insincerity.

put-on outrage

Highlights that the outrage is an act or performance, rather than a genuine emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "feigned outrage" in a sentence?

You can use "feigned outrage" to describe someone pretending to be angry or shocked, for example: "The politician's "feigned outrage" at the scandal was seen as a cynical attempt to gain public support".

What's a good alternative to "feigned outrage"?

Alternatives include "simulated indignation", "false indignation", or "mock indignation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "feigned outrage" the same as "genuine outrage"?

No, "feigned outrage" is insincere and pretended, while "genuine outrage" is a real and authentic expression of anger or shock.

When is it appropriate to use "feigned outrage" instead of "exaggerated outrage"?

"Feigned outrage" implies insincerity, whereas "exaggerated outrage" suggests that the emotion is real but amplified. Use "feigned outrage" when someone is pretending, and "exaggerated outrage" when their reaction is overblown but genuine.