False modesty is a phrase used to describe a person who pretends to be modest and humble in an exaggerated manner. It is a form of insincerity that can be seen as disingenuous or fake. There are various synonyms that can be used to describe false modesty, including affectation, pretense, showiness, coyness, and self-deprecation. Other words that can be used to describe false modesty include hypocrisy, imposture, and humbug. Regardless of the word used, the underlying behavior is the same - an attempt to project a false sense of humility and downplay one's accomplishments or abilities, often for the purpose of gaining approval or attention from others.