Lie facts for kids
A lie is when someone says something that they know is not true. When people lie, they usually want others to believe that what they are saying is real. There are many reasons why someone might lie. They might be trying to hide something. They could also want something from you. Sometimes, people tell small lies called white lies to avoid hurting someone's feelings. Some people lie very often, and this is sometimes called being a pathological liar.
Contents
Understanding Different Kinds of Lies
There are several ways people can lie or mislead others. It's helpful to know the differences.
What is Deception?
Deception is when someone tricks another person into believing something false. This often involves many lies told over a long time. For example, a trickster might deceive people to get their money.
How is Information Distorted?
Distortion means changing facts by adding or removing details. This can make something sound different from what was truly said. Imagine a scientist says, "This medicine is safe in small amounts." A company might distort this by saying, "The scientist says the medicine is safe." They leave out the "in small amounts" part.
What are White Lies?
White lies are small lies told to make someone feel better. They are usually harmless and don't cause problems. For instance, you might tell a friend you like their new shirt, even if you don't. This is a white lie. White lies are different from sarcasm, which is saying the opposite of what you mean in a joking way.
When Do People Exaggerate?
Exaggeration is saying something is much bigger or smaller than it really is. It makes things sound more dramatic. If you say, "I'm starving to death!" when you're just hungry, that's an exaggeration. Exaggeration is also used in tall tales to make stories more exciting. For example, "Our hero was three meters tall and strong as an elephant!"
Lying Requires Intent
Lying only happens when someone means to say something untrue. If a person says something that isn't true but doesn't know it's false, they are simply making a mistake. They are not lying.
Lies in Culture and Stories
Lies and their consequences are common themes in books and fables. They teach us important lessons.
Pinocchio's Growing Nose
Carlo Collodi wrote the famous story of Pinocchio. Pinocchio was a wooden puppet who often got into trouble because he lied a lot. Every time he told a lie, his nose would grow longer. Because of this story, a long nose has become a funny way to show someone who is lying.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
The Boy Who Cried Wolf is a well-known fable by Aesop. It's about a shepherd boy who kept lying that a wolf was attacking his sheep. When a real wolf finally appeared, no one believed him anymore. This story teaches us that if you lie often, people will stop trusting you.
Images for kids
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A motivational poster about lying declares "An ostrich only thinks he 'covers up'"
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Consumer protection laws often mandate the posting of notices, such as this one which appears in all automotive repair shops in California.
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Portrait bust of Aristotle made by Lysippos
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A Torah scroll recovered from Glockengasse Synagogue in Cologne
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St. Augustine by Carlo Crivelli
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Darius I, imagined by a Greek painter, fourth century BCE
See also
In Spanish: Mentira para niños
