roman à clef
Say it: roh-mon uh KLAY /rəʊˌmɒ̃ ɑː ˈkleɪ/ · noun phrase
What “roman à clef” means
A novel disguising real people and events as fiction.
More precisely: A novel portraying real people and events under thinly disguised fictional names.
When to use it
When discussing fiction whose invented names and characters thinly disguise recognisable real people and events, often with a gossipy tone.
Memory trick
French for novel with a key: knowing the real people unlocks the disguises.
Similar words
thinly veiled novel, fictionalised memoir
Where it comes from
French, 'novel with a key'.
Quick check
A novel changes the names of a real mayor and her scandal, but locals recognise everyone. What is it?
a biography or a roman à clef?
Show the answer
a roman à clef
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