Skip to main content
Cataclysmic Charlatan Syndrome (CCS): A psychological condition characterised by an intense and persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of competence and success. Individuals with CCS experience an extreme level of self-doubt, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy in their professional and personal lives, often leading to severe impacts on their mental well-being and self-esteem.
Examples;

A highly accomplished scientist with numerous publications and accolades refuses to speak at conferences or accept awards, self sabotages results and refuses to complete projects fearing that others will discover they are not as knowledgeable or talented as they appear.

A successful entrepreneur constantly questions their ability to lead, despite having built a thriving business from scratch, avoiding networking events or business progression for fear of being 'found out'

Cataclysmic Charlatan syndrome (CCs) in an extreme, long term version of imposter syndrome. This term captures the overwhelming and debilitating nature of this condition, setting it apart from traditional imposter syndrome.
by Century33 May 19, 2023
mugGet the Cataclysmic Charlatan Syndrome mug.

Charlatantrum

A temper tantrum thrown by an unqualified charlatan president, when questioned, opposed or exposed for his ignorance, pretense and lies.
"I say you're a terrible reporter!" the president fumed, when asked what he might say to reassure the American people. It was untethered to the real world, just another charlatantrum, meant to disguise his unfitness but only revealing it.
by Monkey's Dad April 23, 2020
mugGet the Charlatantrum mug.

Charlatan

Hym “Charlatan. That’s the word you’re looking for.”
by Hym Iam October 23, 2022
mugGet the Charlatan mug.

Social Charlatanism

The idea in some new atheist circles that all social, political and religious interactions and beliefs are charlatanism, such as anything related to spirituality, religion and metaphysics is charlatanism, advocating that social and political relations needs to be based on rationality and scientific-technical knowledge.
John believes that all social, political, religious, spiritual and metaphysical related things are forms of charlatanism, and only scientific, technical and rational knowledge for change this situation. John believes social charlatanism is the basis of human society and human history.
by Full Monteirism December 19, 2020
mugGet the Social Charlatanism mug.

charlatan

Used in bars etc. Mean a guy who pimps all the good ol' ho's!
Yup! That boy is like a charlatan! He's pimpin' them all!
by Andrew & Jågger-J August 21, 2004
mugGet the charlatan mug.

charlatan

Just watch one of Hassan Rouhani's speeches, trust me :)
Hassan Rouhani is a charlatan.
by avada kedavra kurva October 6, 2020
mugGet the charlatan mug.

charlatan

a group of 7 cutie patootie girls that are infamous around the scene and myspace. can be found at most shows in and around central new jersey or new york.
d00d those charlatan girls own the scene
by kaaaate July 30, 2008
mugGet the charlatan mug.

Share this definition

Sign in to vote

We'll email you a link to sign in instantly.

Or

Check your email

We sent a link to

Open your email