also: しばいげ
theatricality; affectation; putting on an act
Refers to behavior that seems exaggerated, insincere, or overly dramatic, as if performing on stage. Often used critically to describe someone's manner or speech.
His apology had a theatrical quality and didn't seem sincere.
That politician's speech is too theatrical.
演技 is neutral 'acting' or 'performance', whereas 芝居気 often carries a negative nuance of insincerity or exaggeration.
Standard kanji spelling for the reading しばいぎ.
Rare reading しばいげ; the same kanji form is used but the reading is uncommon.
Compound of 芝居 (play, drama) and 気 (spirit, mood, or air). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word likely emerged to describe behavior reminiscent of stage acting.