Barefaced Lie
Definition:
A barefaced lie is a blatant and shameless falsity told with pure audacity, often rendering the listener incredulous at the sheer boldness of it. The liar doesn’t bother to hide the deceit in any nifty packaging—it’s right there like a sore thumb.
Synonyms:
- Blatant lie
- Bold-faced lie
- Straight-up lie
- Whopper
- Whopper of a lie
Antonyms:
- Truth
- Honesty
- Sincerity
Similar Terms & Expressions:
- Bald-faced lie: Essentially the same as a barefaced lie, often used interchangeably.
- Fib: A small or trivial lie.
- Tall tale: A greatly exaggerated or improbable story.
- White lie: A harmless or trivial lie, usually told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.
- Whopper: A colossal lie.
Proverbs & Quotes:
- Proverb: “A half-truth is a whole lie.”
- Humorous Quote: “I’m not a pathological liar, I’m just really good at alternative facts!” — Fictitious Politicians Monthly.
- Inspirational Quote: “The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” — Bertrand Russell (even in recognizing a lie).
Literature, Books, Songs & Movies:
- Book: “The Liar’s Club” by Mary Karr - A memoir filled with raw truth and equally raw lies.
- Movie: “Liar Liar” (1997) - A comedy about a lawyer cursed to tell the truth for 24 hours.
- Song: “Little Lies” by Fleetwood Mac - A classic tune about the nature of deceit.
- Poetry: “We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar - An exploration of the lies we tell and the facades we wear.
Quizzes
### Which of these is considered a "barefaced lie"?
- [x] Telling your friend you’ve climbed Mount Everest when you've never left your hometown.
- [ ] Saying you forgot to bring lunch when you actually have a sandwich.
- [ ] Exaggerating the number of books you read last year.
- [ ] Claiming to have a minor cold when you’re feeling fine.
> **Explanation:** Telling a fantastical untruth like having climbed Mount Everest is the epitome of a barefaced lie.
### What is the difference between a 'white lie' and a 'barefaced lie'?
- [ ] Nothing, they mean the same thing.
- [x] A white lie is usually minor and told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings; a barefaced lie is shamelessly blatant.
- [ ] A white lie is more exaggerated.
- [ ] A barefaced lie is more complex.
> **Explanation:** A white lie is typically smaller and less harmful, often used to spare feelings, whereas a barefaced lie is brazen and conspicuously dishonest.
### True or False: "A tall tale is a form of barefaced lie."
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** A tall tale might be exaggerated and entertaining, but it doesn’t carry the shameless audacity of a barefaced lie, which is unashamedly false.
Until next time, in the realm of truth and deception, may your wit always be your guiding star.
F. A. Braggadocio
