The literal meaning of the term prestidigitator is 'nimble-fingered', but its connotations extend to the idea of illusion, imposture, deception.
Whereas authentication concerns the construction of a true or veridical identity, denaturalization foregrounds untruth, pretense, and imposture in identity positioning.
On the opposite end of this continuum, denaturalization expresses language through which speakers signal imposture or falsity through ruptures of ongoing or assumed identities.
At times, it is difficult to discriminate between bold claims, conceptual misinterpretations, and imposture.
Psalmanazar's imposture, in other words, proved to be magnificent training for writing a universal history.
Must we really lend ourselves to this imposture?
Without the acceptance of this principle democracy is merely an imposture.
I am informed that prosecuting authorities do not institute proceedings except where they are satisfied that there is evidence of fraud and imposture.
