Which word describes a feigned refusal of something that is secretly coveted?

queproblema

Accismus http://wordsmith.org/words/accismus.html We usually just say, "Sour grapes." May 23 07, 4:18 PM

lanfranco

Hmm, I wouldn't say that "sour grapes" is a synonym for "accismus." If you were offered a diamond ring that you coveted but did not wish to appear too eager to accept, you might say, disingenuously, "Oh, no, you can't possibly give such a lovely thing to me." That would be accismus. However, if your good friend received a diamond ring that you had hoped to get, and you were envious, you might say, "Oh, dear, that stone looks like it has several flaws, and what about that tacky setting?" THAT would be "sour grapes". http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/328500.html May 23 07, 4:40 PM

queproblema

You're right, it's only sour grapes if you didn't get it. I was just referring to this, "Accismus is showing no interest in something while secretly wanting it. It's a form of irony where one pretends indifference and refuses something while actually wanting it. In Aesop's fable, the fox pretends he doesn't care for the grapes," from my link. May 23 07, 10:49 PM