What does cant mean?
"Cant" is a noun referring to insincere or hypocritical talk, particularly pious or moralizing statements that the speaker does not truly believe or act upon. A politician who preaches austerity while living extravagantly is guilty of cant. More broadly, the word can describe the stale, formulaic language characteristic of a particular profession, sect, or social group — the specialized patter that insiders repeat without thought. Historically, "cant" had yet another meaning: the secret vocabulary of beggars and thieves, a hidden argot documented in early modern English rogue literature. The word derives from the Latin "cantare," meaning "to sing," the same root that gives us "chant" and "incantation." Today, "cant" remains a sharp critical term in political and literary commentary, valued for its precision in exposing the gap between what people profess and what they actually do. It should not be confused with the contraction "can't." Its tone is unfailingly pejorative.
Insincere or hypocritical talk, especially pious or moralizing language uttered without genuine conviction; also, the hackneyed phraseology of a particular class or profession.
"Critics accused the charity's director of cant when she preached humility while demanding lavish perks."
Strongly pejorative; often used in literary and political criticism.
To speak or use cant; also, to tilt or incline something to one side, as in nautical or engineering contexts.
"The hull was canted slightly to starboard after the collision."
The plural "cants" refers to multiple instances or varieties of insincere talk, such as the differing jargons of several professions.
"The essay catalogued the cants of courtiers, clerics, and merchants alike."
Before it meant hypocrisy, "cant" was literally the secret slang of beggars and thieves — a hidden language sung rather than spoken.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cant
"Cant" entered English in the early 17th century, borrowed from Old North French "canter," ultimately from Latin "cantare," a frequentative form of "canere" ("to sing"). It was first applied to the whining singsong speech of beggars, then extended to the thieves' argot itself, and later generalized to any insincere or formulaic moralizing. The same Latin root produced "chant," "incantation," "enchant," and "descant." The verb "cant" meaning "to tilt or throw to one side" is generally considered a distinct formation, likely of separate origin.
Related word forms
How cant is actually used
"Cant" carries a strongly pejorative connotation — it implies not merely insincerity but a complacent, unexamined piety or moralizing. It is a somewhat literary word, common in criticism and political commentary but less frequent in casual conversation. Do not confuse it with "can't" in writing.
Easily confused with cant
"Can't" is the negative contraction of "can," while "cant" is a noun meaning insincere or hypocritical talk.
A chant is a repeated rhythmic utterance or song, whereas cant is insincere, formulaic speech — though the two words share a common Latin root in singing.