Any Word smiths out there?

Question

I'm looking for a word or short conscience phrase (sound bite?) to describe a particular stunt used to manipulate attention from bystanders (creating the false perception he's in need of assistance/protection).  Hoping I can find someone who can describe this particular performance more eloquently than I can.

This particular person will respond to being caught out lying by sitting, acting helpless, waving his arms (normally he does not "talk with his hands") & repeatedly opening and closing his mouth (reminds me of a fish gasping for air). The aim is twofold

1/ if he doesn't actually say anything, he's not admitting fault/guilt.
2/ the performance manipulates bystanders to gain sympathy, backing or support. Thus creating a useful distraction as well as manufacturing a potential protector.

fooles.troupe · Accepted Answer

Drama Queen - or Narcissist, perhaps, unless one of the medical terms describing some sort of psychosis applies...


Added later:
I seem to remember from somewhere a vague expression about such a person being on a  "Crip Trip".

jamesmason01 · Answer

Hi, Rai!

I think that the word that you might be searching for is "Charade."

In French it means "an absurd pretence."

The only other word that comes even close is "mime."

Any Word smiths out there?

2 Answers