Signification
A person who deceives or shows off.
Contexte culturel
In Turkish business, 'göz boyamacılık' is a common criticism for companies that invest heavily in PR and office decor but treat employees poorly or have a failing product. The term is frequently used by opposition parties to describe government infrastructure projects that are perceived as being for show rather than utility. There is a traditional distrust of 'city slickers' who use fancy clothes and talk to deceive honest villagers, often referred to as 'göz boyamacı'. The rise of 'Instagram culture' in Turkey has led to a resurgence of this phrase to describe the 'fake' lifestyles of influencers.
Don't use it for friends
Unless you are joking, calling a friend a 'göz boyamacı' is a serious insult to their character.
Use it for 'Greenwashing'
In a B2/C1 exam, using 'göz boyamacı' to describe companies that pretend to be eco-friendly will impress the examiners.
Signification
A person who deceives or shows off.
Don't use it for friends
Unless you are joking, calling a friend a 'göz boyamacı' is a serious insult to their character.
Use it for 'Greenwashing'
In a B2/C1 exam, using 'göz boyamacı' to describe companies that pretend to be eco-friendly will impress the examiners.
The 'Boyama' Metaphor
Remember that 'boyama' (painting) in Turkish idioms almost always implies covering up a truth.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
Ona inanma, o sadece bir ________; gerçekte hiçbir şey bilmiyor.
The noun 'göz boyamacı' is the correct way to describe a person who is a show-off/deceiver.
Which situation best describes a 'göz boyamacı'?
Aşağıdaki durumlardan hangisi bir 'göz boyamacı'yı tarif eder?
Option B involves deception and hiding flaws, which is the core meaning of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Yeni iş arkadaşın nasıl?' Mehmet: 'Hiç sorma, tam bir ________. Sadece patron varken çalışıyor.'
Working only when the boss is watching is a classic 'göz boyamacı' behavior.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesOna inanma, o sadece bir ________; gerçekte hiçbir şey bilmiyor.
The noun 'göz boyamacı' is the correct way to describe a person who is a show-off/deceiver.
Aşağıdaki durumlardan hangisi bir 'göz boyamacı'yı tarif eder?
Option B involves deception and hiding flaws, which is the core meaning of the phrase.
Ayşe: 'Yeni iş arkadaşın nasıl?' Mehmet: 'Hiç sorma, tam bir ________. Sadece patron varken çalışıyor.'
Working only when the boss is watching is a classic 'göz boyamacı' behavior.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it's not a swear word, but it is a strong insult to someone's honesty.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. You can say 'O kadın tam bir göz boyamacı'.
A 'yalancı' simply tells lies. A 'göz boyamacı' uses visual or social 'makeup' to create a false impression.
Only in critical journalism or informal office talk. Avoid it in official documents.
No, 'boyamacı' refers to the person. For objects, use 'göz boyayıcı' (e.g., göz boyayıcı bir reklam).
Expressions liées
göz boyamak
builds onTo deceive by making something look good.
vitrin yapmak
similarTo show off only the good parts.
maval okumak
similarTo tell tall tales.
dolandırıcı
similarSwindler / Fraudster.
şov yapmak
similarTo put on a show.
