nom de plume

/ˈnɔm də ˌplum/

Other forms: nom de plumes

When a writer chooses a fake name for publishing books or stories, it's called a nom de plume. You might use a nom de plume if your writing is so controversial that you are afraid to take credit for it.

Using a nom de plume has been common throughout the history of literature. Some authors fear punishment by strict, controlling governments, while in other cases women have used masculine noms de plume during times when men have had an easier time getting published. You could also call it a pseudonym or a pen name. While the phrase nom de plume means "pen name" in French, it doesn't come from French speakers, but was coined in English using French words.

Definitions of nom de plume

1. noun

   an author's pseudonym
   synonyms: pen name

   type of:

   anonym, nom de guerre, pseudonym

   a fictitious name used when the person performs a particular social role