Etymology

and don't play one on TV

Today it means: A term often used after a person claims to have no expertise in a topic of discussion, but still wants to contribute a comment. Full definition →

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The story

A reference to US television advertisements where well-known actors from medical shows were obliged to add the disclaimer "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV".

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.