Pronunciation: [ʃˈam] (IPA) 
The word "sham" is spelled with the letters s-h-a-m. This word has a short vowel sound represented by the symbol /æ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The 's' represents the voiceless consonant /ʃ/, while the 'h' represents a silent letter. The letter 'a' represents the short vowel sound /æ/, and the letter 'm' represents the voiced consonant /m/. This simple four-letter word has a unique spelling that accurately represents its sound.
Sham can be defined as a noun, adjective or verb, but in all its forms, it generally refers to something or someone that is not genuine, authentic, or sincere.
As a noun, sham refers to a false, deceitful, or fraudulent representation or imitation. It can be a pretense or a hoax created to deceive or mislead others. For example, a sham can be a counterfeit product or a fake document used to deceive someone.
As an adjective, sham describes something that is not real, genuine, or honest. It can refer to an imitation or a simulated version of something, usually intended to deceive or trick others. For instance, a sham marriage, sham website, or sham therapy would all describe situations where the appearance of legitimacy is false or insincere.
As a verb, sham is the act of pretending or feigning a false appearance or behavior. It involves putting on a false facade or pretending to be something or someone that one is not. For example, someone may sham an illness or feign ignorance in order to manipulate a situation.
Overall, the term sham indicates a lack of authenticity, genuineness, or sincerity. It is often associated with deception, pretense, or falsehood, and tends to carry a negative connotation.
• Something that deceives expectation; a pretence; an imposture.
• False; pretended.
• To pretend in order to deceive; to counterfeit; to make false pretences.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sham" originated in the late 17th century from the Anglo-Irish term "sham-rogue", which referred to a fraud or imposter. This term was a combination of "sham", meaning a trick or deception, and "rogue", meaning a dishonest person. Over time, the term "sham" became associated with anything that is false, fake, or intended to deceive.
