Frenemy or frienemy is a portmanteau of friend and enemy which can refer to either an enemy disguised as a friend or to a partner that is simultaneously a competitor.In personal relationships, the use of the term 'frenemy' has become increasingly used to describe two (or more) people who are apparently friends but are actually enemies. Such relationships may occur due to the desire (of either) to keep a close eye on the actions of their close rival (i.e. keep your friends close, keep your enemies even closer).
Alternatively, two people who are apparently enemies may actually be friends in private, with the apparently hostile relationship portrayed in order to deceive or for other forms of gain. Such an arrangement may even be used to cover up a secret relationship between the two parties. Or, the two people might actually like and hate each other simultaneously.
It can also apply to international relations, such as US-Pakistan, US-Saudi Arabia, US-China, and of course US-France relations. Are these friends masquerading as enemies or the other way 'round?
Bonus thought:
While thinking about the word "frenemy", you may have the word "frenema" somehow pop into your head. If that happens, just know that a google search shows that you are not alone in this.
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