Friday, August 16, 2013

How To Tell If Someone Is Lying

They Speak Formally. Bill Clinton said "I did not have sexual relations" instead of the more familiar contraction "I didn't have...". This is typical of people who are lying; to avoid contractions and use more formal language to distance themselves from the lie.

I'd never heard of this rule until a Headline News anchor confirmed it on TV, again citing Bill Clinton as the gold standard of liars. I don't know how that man ever fooled us with his ridiculously stilted words! I feel like an idiot, being duped with so many tall tales, but with this handy rule I know it won't happen again. In the future I'll be on the lookout for truthtellers using honest words like these:

  • Houston, we've a problem.
  • We're the world.
  • We'll fight on the beaches.
  • We're not amused.
  • I'll return.
  • We're legion.
  • I'm Spartacus.
  • I've a dream.
  • I'm the greatest.
  • Don't judge, or you too'll be judged.
  • The only thing we've to fear is fear itself.
  • I'm what I'm.
  • Thou shan't kill.

2 comments:

jeesau said...

And what about poorly done period pieces or Star Trek English-speaking aliens who don't use contractions? Were Lady Penelope and Zontrag liars?

RomanHans said...

You know who was the worst? Jesus. Dude was always, "I am," "I am," "I am." Dude, we're wise to you!

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