What Do You Call It When An Author Uses A Fake Name?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,


A pseudonym

is a fictitious name taken by a writer in place of their real name. The term “pseudonym” is a Greek word that literally means “false name.”

What’s another word for a false name?


Pseudonym

, has its origins in the Greek word pseudōnymos, which means “bearing a false name.” Greek speakers formed their word by combining pseud-, meaning “false,” and onyma, meaning “name.” French speakers adopted the Greek word as pseudonyme, and English speakers later modified the French word into pseudonym.

What do you call an author’s fake name?


A pseudonym

is a fictitious name taken by a writer in place of their real name. The term “pseudonym” is a Greek word that literally means “false name.”

Do I have to use my real name as an author?

As a general rule,

most authors should publish under their legal, given name

. If an author has written an exposé and must remain anonymous for professional reasons, a pen name is quite understandable. Otherwise critics tend to regard a pen name as an affectation and anachronistic. It also makes promotion difficult.

What’s the difference between pseudonym and Alias?

As nouns the difference between pseudonym and alias

is that

pseudonym is a fictitious name

, often used by writers and movie stars while alias is another name; an assumed name.

Can you publish a book under a fake name?

Yes, authors can self-publish using their pen name or

nom de plume

. If you’re self-publishing a book, you can definitely use a pseudonym when writing and publishing your book. In fact, many indie authors use a pseudonym or nom de plume when they publish books in several different genres.

Is it legal to use a fake name?

People use fake names on the Internet all the time—but

that doesn’t make it legal

. Whether for Facebook accounts, Xbox Live, or a pointless survey that your friend asked you to fill out, using a fake name online in any capacity could get you arrested.

What do you call a fake identity?

A pseudonym (/ˈsuːdənɪm/) (originally: ψευδώνυμος in Greek) or alias (/ˈeɪliəs/) is a fictitious name that a person or group assumes for a particular purpose, which differs from their original or true name (orthonym). …

What is false identity?

False identity fraud occurs

when a person creates a fake identity to commit criminal activities

. Fraudsters commit identity fraud to apply for credit under false information, submit for loans or open bank accounts. … This results in a synthetic identity they then use to commit fraud.

What is it called when you have a fake identity?


Impostor

. Definition – one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception. This word has been spelled in a wide variety of ways over the centuries, although the two most common forms today are impostor and imposter.

Why do female writers use pseudonyms?

Many female writers have adopted male nom de plumes, or otherwise gender-ambiguous pseudonyms, for a number of reasons: to publish without prejudice in male-dominated circles;

to experiment with the freedom of anonymity

; or to encourage male readership.

What is Stephen King’s real name?

Stephen King, in full

Stephen Edwin King

, (born September 21, 1947, Portland, Maine, U.S.), American novelist and short-story writer whose books were credited with reviving the genre of horror fiction in the late 20th century.

Can you legally go by an alias?

Generally,

a person is entitled to using an alias if they choose to do so

. However, most legal documents that require proof or validity of identity may be necessary and often a legal name change is also legally needed. … On the other hand, an alias is just a name that has not been legally assigned, but is used.

How do I legally use an alias?

Generally, a person

can use whatever name they wish

, however, legal documents issued, such as driver’s licenses, will require proof, such as a birth certificate and may require a legal change of name if the alias is used.

Why would someone use an alias?

A single woman may use an alias in order to thwart would-be

stalkers or unwanted attention

, for instance. Using an alias in order to commit fraud or other criminal acts, however, is definitely illegal. … Some musicians and actors will assume aliases or stage names because their legal birth names would be unmarketable.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.