verb to pretend to be ignorant or unaware of something
adjective acting in a way that makes one appear unintelligent or unaware
In psychology, the term 'play dumb' can refer to a defense mechanism where an individual pretends to be less intelligent or aware than they actually are in order to avoid confrontation or responsibility.
In social interactions, 'play dumb' can be used to describe someone feigning ignorance or innocence to manipulate a situation or avoid accountability.
In workplace dynamics, 'play dumb' can be seen as a tactic used by employees to avoid tasks or responsibilities by pretending not to understand instructions or expectations.
In a legal context, 'play dumb' may refer to a strategy where a defendant acts unaware or uninformed in order to avoid legal consequences or liability.
A writer may use 'play dumb' as a plot device in a story to create tension or humor. For example, a character may pretend to be ignorant in order to gain information or manipulate a situation.
A psychologist may use the concept of 'playing dumb' when discussing defense mechanisms or cognitive biases with clients. They may explore how pretending to be unaware or naive can be a coping mechanism in certain situations.
A lawyer may advise a client to 'play dumb' in a legal setting in order to avoid self-incrimination or to appear less knowledgeable about a particular situation. This strategy may be used during depositions or court proceedings.
An actor may use the technique of 'playing dumb' in a performance to portray a character who is intentionally pretending to be less intelligent than they actually are. This can add depth to the character and create interesting dynamics with other characters.
A salesperson may 'play dumb' when negotiating with a customer in order to gather more information or to make the customer feel more comfortable. By appearing less knowledgeable about a product or service, the salesperson may be able to guide the conversation in a way that benefits the sale.