sanctimony means A hypocritical form of excessive piety, considered to be an affectation merely for public show. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 86 out of 100.
sanctimony is pronounced /ˈsæŋk.tɪ.mə.ni/.
Why “sanctimony” is a great word
SANCTIMONY — [Noun] A hypocritical or affected display of piousness or moral superiority. From Middle French sanctimonie, from Latin sānctimōnia ("sanctity, sacredness"), from sanctus ("holy") + -monia ("state or condition of"). First attested in English c. 1530 in the sense of 'piety', with the pejorative sense emerging by c. 1600. Unlike piety, which denotes genuine devotion, or righteousness, which can be sincere, sanctimony is virtue performed for an audience. It is the pursed lips of judgment, the theatrical sigh at a minor transgression, and the cold gleam of satisfaction in the eyes of one pronouncing judgment—a pantomime of purity that secretly feeds on the perceived corruption of others.
noun
- A hypocritical form of excessive piety, considered to be an affectation merely for public show.“At its best[…] “The Newsroom” has a wit, sophistication and manic energy that recalls James L. Brooks’s classic movie “Broadcast News.” But at its worst, the show chokes on its own sanctimony.”
- A state of holiness.