Hoax vs Fib

Both 'hoax' and 'fib' are correct terms in English, but they have different meanings and usage. 'Hoax' refers to a deliberate deception or trick, while 'fib' is a more informal term for a small lie or untruth. They are not interchangeable, as 'hoax' implies a more serious and intentional deception compared to 'fib.'

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 848 views

Hoax

The term 'hoax' is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a deliberate deception or trick intended to deceive others.

Use 'hoax' when describing a situation where someone is trying to deceive others by spreading false information or creating a fake scenario.

Examples:

The news about the alien invasion turned out to be a hoax.
The video claiming to show a magical creature was revealed to be a hoax.
He was arrested for perpetrating a hoax on the public.
The email promising a huge cash prize was just a hoax.
The company's announcement of a new product was suspected to be a hoax.

Show examples from the web [+]

We both know 9/11 was a hoax.
It's not a hoax or a mass hallucination.
Well, you all fell prey to my elaborate hoax.
It's a cruel hoax, Joe.
Whole thing was a giant hoax.
This hoax, your cancer, everything.
You have no proof this isn't some elaborate hoax.
It's not a hoax, babe.
So apparently some hip DJ in Brussels became a huge fan, so after the death hoax...
I just tweeted that the shooting was a hoax.
Assuming it's not a hoax.
And after last night's hoax...
I knew the moon landing was a hoax.
It seems the story was a French hoax.
Sir, it's- it's obviously a hoax.
It's the pinnacle of human achievement, and it was a hoax.
Art is just one big hoax.
He said the body was part of a hoax.
This is the hoax into which you've been drawn.
Kimberly, it's just an elaborate hoax.

Alternatives:

deception
fraud
scam
trickery
fabrication

Fib

The term 'fib' is correct but less commonly used in formal contexts. It refers to a small or trivial lie, often used in a lighthearted or playful manner.

Use 'fib' when referring to a harmless or minor untruth, typically in a casual or informal conversation.

Examples:

She told a little fib to avoid hurting his feelings.
Don't worry, it was just a harmless fib.
He's known for telling fibs to make his stories more interesting.
I caught him in a fib about his whereabouts last night.
It's okay to tell a fib to protect someone's feelings.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sometimes it's even sneakier than an outright fib.
I think we both know that's a fib.
Maybe that was a little fib on my part.
My goyim parents told a little fib...
And that's not his greatest fib
That's why we had to tell a little fib.
I'm sure she's had occasion to fib.
And his fib fooled the child.
Take your little fib, for instance.
Maybe I did make up a little fib about having cancer, but it just shows you how much I love you, Michael.
I didn't think telling a fib would get Sid in trouble.
I'd say it's nice to see you, but we'd both know that's a big fib.
Well, to be honest, I was trying to impress her, So I told a little fib.
I was with my daughter, so I sort of told a little fib.
I'm just feeling a little guilty about telling Lauren a fib.
- But that little fib got us into a few restricted but spectacular places.
Which is why, while trying to dissuade her from future efforts at murdering herself, I told a fib, invoking your name and willingness to take her with you on your trip.
I'll fib and triple the amount on the press release.
He was in obvious distress, and then he went into fib.
In Scotland we call that a fib, captain.

Alternatives:

white lie
little white lie
untruth
fabrication
falsehood

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Hoax vs Fib

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