What did the word phony mean to Holden Caulfield?

In J.D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye, the word "phony" holds particular significance for the protagonist, Holden Caulfield. To Holden, "phony" describes individuals, actions, or situations he perceives as fake, pretentious, or disingenuous. It encapsulates his deep distrust and disdain for superficiality and social conformity. Throughout the novel, Holden repeatedly uses the term to label various aspects of the adult world that he encounters. Phony" encapsulates the traits Holden deems unauthentic, dishonest, and hypocritical.