1. play-acting - Noun
2. play-acting - Verb
The acting of a play or plays; the occupation of an actor; dramatic performance.
(figuratively) The act of engaging in pretence or insincere behavior, often in order to mislead someone or gain an advantage.
play-acting
present participle of play-act
I don't think a man has to go around shouting and play-acting to prove he is something. And a real man don't go around putting other guys down, trampling their feelings in the dirt, making out they're nothing. Joe Frazier
Any good marriage involves a certain amount of play-acting. Margaret Millar