Definition
Done or said for effect or to be seen as morally correct, rather than from genuine belief or intention; behavior designed to be noticed rather than to create real change. Often implies inauthenticity.
Example Usage
His donations seem performative—he always makes sure to post about them online.
Origin
From 'performance,' originally a linguistic term (performative utterance), extended to describe actions done primarily for external validation.
Fun Fact
The term gained significant traction in the 2010s, especially in discussions of social activism, where 'performative allyship' describes symbolic support without substantive action.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “performative” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator