also: けれんみ
noun
pretense; affectation; showiness
Originally from kabuki, referring to stylized, exaggerated acting or stage tricks. In modern usage, it describes behavior, speech, or style that is overly dramatic, affected, or showy, often with a negative connotation of insincerity or cheap effect.
彼のスピーチはケレン味が強すぎて、かえって信用できなかった。
His speech was too full of affectation, and I couldn't trust him.
This film uses unpretentious direction to portray a realistic human drama.
わざとらしい describes something obviously artificial or forced, similar to ケレン味, but ケレン味 carries a nuance of stylistic excess or showmanship.
Most common spelling; katakana ケレン is standard for this theatrical term.
Ateji kanji spelling; rarely used and may not be recognized by many readers.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling; less common than ケレン味 but still encountered.
From kabuki terminology 外連 (けれん), referring to stage tricks or stylized acting, combined with 味 (み) meaning 'flavor' or 'touch'. The exact origin of 外連 is uncertain, but it may be related to the verb けれん (to act exaggeratedly).