A sham has two main meanings depending on the context:
- In bedding, a sham is a decorative pillowcase with a "false front" designed to cover regular pillows for aesthetic purposes. It typically has a hidden opening in the back and is often used as a decorative accessory on a bed rather than for sleeping directly on. They come in traditional pillow sizes and can be removed and washed. This kind of sham adds a decorative touch to bedding but can also be functional as a pillow cover.
- More broadly, a sham refers to something that is fake, false, or not what it purports to be. It can mean a trick, a hoax, or an imitation meant to deceive. For example, calling something a sham could mean it is falsely represented, like a sham marriage or a sham product. The term can also be used to describe a person who pretends to be something they are not.
In summary:
- As a noun in bedding, a sham is a decorative pillowcase.
- As a noun or adjective more generally, a sham is a falsehood, fraud, or deceptive pretense.
