For several years I've been using the Russian word "poshlost." I discovered the word in the NY Times with the brief definition of "morally tacky." I loved the concept--something that's not actually wrong, but not pleasing, a cheat, a sham, a facade of righteousness behind which is, well, not much. One of my favorite quick examples is parents who go to church only for the sake of their children. Unfortunately, the term seems so useful these days, with ubiquitous advertisements selling products promising instant "integrity," and parental "love," among other virtues, and, of course, ongoing demogogery in public office. I can see that if it means what I think it means, I'll be using it more and more in the 21st century. But I wanted to check. Does anyone know this word? Does it fill a gap in the English language, or is there an existing word that means the same thing?

Thanks,
Blanche