a fake - 'phony' is there any connection from the (Greek?) phone for sound?

Answer 1

Origin: 1895–1900
Perhaps an alteration and respelling of fawney (slang) finger ring (from the Irish word "fsptáinne"), if taken to mean “false” in the phrase "fawney rig" a confidence game in which a brass ring is sold as a gold one.
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Alteration of fawney, gilt brass ring used by swindlers
From Irish Gaelic "fáinne" ring, from Old Irish.
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