The spelling of "letting on like" may appear confusing at first glance, but it can be deciphered with the help of phonetic transcription. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), "letting on" is pronounced as /ˈlɛtɪŋ/ and "like" as /laɪk/. Together, the phrase is pronounced as "letting on laɪk". This colloquialism means pretending or feigning something. Despite its informal nature, this phrase is frequently used in American and British English, and understanding its pronunciation can aid in clear communication.
The term "letting on like" is an idiomatic expression used in informal speech to describe the act of pretending or feigning a particular behavior or emotion in order to deceive others or create a false impression. It implies a deliberate act of putting on a façade or acting in a way that does not reflect one's true feelings or intentions.
When someone is "letting on like," they are intentionally pretending to be someone they are not, typically motivated by a desire to manipulate a situation or deceive others for personal gain. This action can involve pretending to possess certain qualities, knowledge, or emotions that are not genuine or authentic.
The phrase often conveys a sense of insincerity or deceit, suggesting that the individual is intentionally misleading others for their own benefit. It can be used in various contexts, such as when someone pretends to be happy when they are actually sad or acts like they know something they do not.
To summarize, "letting on like" refers to the act of pretending or feigning a particular behavior, emotion, or knowledge for personal gain or to deceive others. It implies a deliberate effort to create a false impression and often has negative connotations associated with insincerity or deceit.