there is a word for lies like 'ready in a minute' 'I'll be right there''back in a moment' etc. What is it? Is there a website with definitions for such?
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Lies seems rather harsh:are you not interested in the situations where these phrases are in fact true?– Tim LymingtonCommented Jun 8, 2015 at 17:02
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Hmm. I seem to have missed the "Lies" bit.– kolossusCommented Jun 8, 2015 at 17:04
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2Since you call them "lies", I assume you're asking for a word to identify a class of unrealistically optimistic assurances (where the speaker knows perfectly well his hollow promise won't in fact be honoured). Are you specifically only interested in optimistic time estimates? What about the salesman's This product will give you years of faithful service, when he knows it's poor quality and not likely to last more than a few days?– FumbleFingersCommented Jun 8, 2015 at 17:17
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maybe dissimulation or dissembling ?? sort of– FattieCommented Jun 8, 2015 at 17:33
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fixed lies.(expressions)...– MistiCommented Jun 8, 2015 at 18:55
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3 Answers
Although not specific to the statements you mention, they are a kind of hyperbole.
- obvious and intentional exaggeration.
- an extravagant statement or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally, as “to wait an eternity.”.
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'We waited an eternity' is more extravagant than 'Back in a moment'. Commented Jun 15, 2015 at 21:51
If you’re looking for another word for such “lies,” regardless of context, I’d call them either “exaggerations” or “hyperboles.”
If you’re after a word that covers only such “lies” when they relate to underestimating time, as in your examples, I’d call them “stalls.”
stall: 2 (stôl) n. A ruse or tactic used to mislead or delay.
answered Jun 8, 2015 at 18:03
Temporize
is one of my favorite words, it's possibly part of what you mean here?
(It just means dilly-dally, put-off ... avoid making a decision, hang about instead of being decisive.)
