Why “phariseeism” is a great word
PHARISEEISM — [Noun] The strict observance of external forms of religion or morality without genuine inner conviction, characterized by hypocrisy and self-righteousness. From Pharisee (from Late Latin Pharīsaeus, from Greek Pharisaios, from Aramaic pərīshayyā, plural of pərīsh, literally "separated one") + the English suffix -ism (denoting a system, principle, or ideological movement). Formed within English by derivation, modelled on a Latin lexical item; first attested in 1585. Unlike piety, which suggests sincere devotion, or authenticity, which denotes a harmony of belief and action, phariseeism is the hollow performance of virtue as a social credential. It is the meticulously measured tithe from a closed fist, the ostentatious prayer delivered for an audience, the whitewashed tomb that is pristine outside but full of corruption within—a monument to the self, built where a soul should be.