Words / C2

k-uh-NAHD/kəˈnɑːd/

A canard is a false or unfounded story, often spread on purpose: a media canard, the old canard that. A rumour (already in the dictionary) is everyday and may be idle; a hoax (already in the dictionary) is a deliberate false trick, and calumny (already in the dictionary) is a false damaging claim about a person. Apocryphal (already in the dictionary) is of a tale probably untrue though often repeated. “Cleared” is not an ethics date.

Meaning

A false or unfounded story, often spread on purpose.

Examples

• “A canard about “cleared” is not an ethics date.”
• “A rumour may be idle talk (already in B1). A hoax is a deliberate false trick (already in C1). Calumny is a false damaging claim (already in C2). Apocryphal is a doubtful legend (already in C2). A dated filing can still be exact. A corridor story that never shows the form is theatre. Write the date; leave the legend.”

Good to know

A false planted story. Everyday: rumour (already in this dictionary). Close: hoax (already in C1); apocryphal (already in C2). Contrast: calumny (a smear — already in C2). A story is not an ethics date.

Near in meaning

falsehood, rumour, fabrication, hoax

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