What is "Genuine Leather"?

[Philalethes]

According to this, "genuine leather" is another name for split leather. Is this true?
Two more questions: 1) Is the grain on split leather artificial? 2) Is split leather less likely to be water repellent? I ask this second question because my understanding is that most of what passes for suede is made from split leather, and suede does not seem to do well when wet.

 

[Bebop]

Good question. I may sound naive but I thought "genuine leather" was a cheesy way of saying, "this really is leather!". Maybe we'll both learn something from the leather experts that hang out here.

 

[Kid Mac]

I also thought "genuine leather" was marketing spin for "you wouldn't be impressed we told you what kind of leather this is."

Split leather is the fibrous part of the hide left after the top-grain of the hide has been cut off, often to get thinner top-grain leather. The split leather will have a suede-like appearance. An artificial layer (such as polyurethane) can be applied to the surface of the split and embossed with a leather-like grain.

 

[gyrobroyeur]

Agree with everyone.
What is "Genuine Leather"?
It's an indication that means that quality is not evident...

 

[Talbot]

Is this similar to 'UP Leather' I see on sofa's and such in furniture stores?