When does one sense a tale, fact, or other wisdom being told as bordering on exaggeration, and when should one suspect it's beyond that: lying? "Your car could never keep up with mine; I just had it up to 130mph!" You know it's exaggerated. Would you define it as lying? Far more important comparisons may be introduced, but safe to say, the idea is understood. Do you ever quietly weigh others' admonitions, claims, etc., quietly and privately? Have you openly expressed doubt? Ever call anyone an out and out liar? Frank
I am stronger than a bull. Of course I'm not stronger than a bull and to say so would be a mass exaggeration. Perhaps the friendlier terminology to use in this case might be hyperbole for indeed, hyperbole is noted as being understood that a stretching of the truth is in use. Now if I say, I shot a hole in one on each hole of an 18 hole course on my first try at golf, it would be a lie especially if I intended for it to be accepted for the truth. And yes, I do believe that in a conversation or two I have indeed called Kim Jong Un a liar for saying that he did accomplish such a feat. Now, have I gone face to face with someone and called them a liar?.....Yes but most of the time no. I have used the word prevaricator rather than liar because after all, most lies are more toward the ambiguous nature of man which is common in my surroundings. I believe that it's a matter of intent...…….
@Bobby Cole "....most lies are more toward the ambiguous nature of man which is common in my surroundings. " Exquisitely said, to be sure. Until the above was encountered, at which point pause was taken to consider, then re-read, consider more, then re-re-read........many directions are opened...."most lies".... , committed by whom, yourself or another? ....."are more toward".... , aimed at? ......."ambiguous nature of man,.........is common in my surroundings". You are surrounded by men of ambiguous nature? Eureka!! Finally! Hit by a sledgehammer! You are actually a lawyer! Frank
Oh yes, I do call people out when I think they're lying. Not usually on forums, because it's just too complicated knowing the reasons why..but I have my suspicions all the same... but in RL...I don't stand for lying..I hate it, and I'm not afraid to call people out on it...
We all know the difference between white, grey, and black lies. For me, the context tells me whether I'd rate something as a lie. Actually, only black lies matter. Depending on the context, some grey ones may as well. White lies would even be necessary in order to oil the machinery of human relationships. Yet in most cases I'm not told blunt lies but half-truths and exaggerations which are used to make oneself heard or to spare them the brutality of the true story. So there's very rarely the necessity to call one a liar. I extremely rarely blame someone for arranging the facts as they see fit simply because it is not important enough in most cases. I may correct them with a knowing wink, though, if I'm in the mood.
Thing is, joking around can be seen by some as lying. A person can have a very serious look in their face, say something, then say "I was only joking". If a person confronts another about lying, a family member or even a friend, it could turn our disastrous. Even if a person is lying about something, they will have a very hard time being called a liar. I've ran into so-called "nightclub cowboys" who told me they were rodeo ropers, but when I asked them the brand of rope they used and/or if they were a "header" or "heeler", they would turn and walk away from me. I knew they were lying and just wanted to be a part of the sport, but, what they didn't know was...…….I was an actual rodeo roper. I never confronted them about what they didn't know or said, "confess dude, you're not a roper", I just let it go.
I hate lying too...and if I know someone is lying to me I don't hesitate to call them on it either. I think some people do like to exaggerate (isn't that what most of our News media is doing along with lying)..maybe it makes them feel more important to do this...it just makes me think they are bragging about nothing. Exaggeration doesn't bother me..lying I can't stand!
@Cody Fousnaugh , I think we all know the difference between joking or white lies...and downright black lies as @Thomas Stearn explained...
Lying by omission that's called.... I have to admit to doing that myself a little bit... What people don't know won't hurt them...