Stolen Valor
False claims of military service
Example
I can't believe America elected him POTUS
IKR? Evidently, no one cares about stolen valor
Related Slang
Poser | A person who pretends to be someone they are not |
Wannabe | A person who wants to be someone they are not |
Clout chaser | A person who does things just to become popular |
Clout leech | A person who is friends with someone just to become more popular |
Frontin | To pretend you are something you are not |
Performative activist | A person who acts like an activist just to gain social standing |
Performative activism | Advocating a cause to gain social standing |
Performative allyship | Allyship that is performed to gain social standing |
LLPOF | Liar liar pants on fire |
Capping | Lying |
Bappin | Lying |
lyn | Lying |
POTUS | President of the United States |
Stolen valor is when a person lies about their military service or the accolades they received for said service. It may include wearing military uniforms, medals, or badges, or telling others they served in the military when they did not.
People who commit stolen valor often do so to gain respect, sympathy, or other benefits from others, exploiting the honor associated with military service. For example, a politician may lie or embellish their service records to gain approval from voters, or a protestor may wear a uniform they purchased to elevate their status.
Stolen valor is typically met with strong disapproval, as it disrespects those who have genuinely served in the military. People consider it not just morally wrong but, in some cases, it is illegal. In the United States, the Stolen Valor Act of 2013 makes it a crime to fraudulently claim military awards to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefits.
Stolen valor outside of the military
People may use stolen valor in contexts outside of military service. For example, a person may lie about their achievements on an athletic field, accomplishments in high finances, and status in a medical field.