Top 52 Slang For Misinformation – Meaning & Usage

In a world where information spreads like wildfire, it’s crucial to be able to distinguish fact from fiction. Misinformation can be tricky to navigate, but fear not, we’ve got you covered. Our team has put together a list of the most common slang terms for misinformation that will help you stay informed and ahead of the game. Get ready to debunk the myths and arm yourself with the knowledge to separate truth from fiction!

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1. Fake news

This term refers to intentionally fabricated or misleading information presented as legitimate news. It is often used to describe stories or articles that have little to no basis in fact.

For example, “That website is known for spreading fake news.”
During a discussion about media credibility, someone might say, “We need to be careful not to fall for fake news.”
A person might comment on a social media post, “This is clearly fake news, don’t believe it.”

2. Hoax

A hoax is a deliberate attempt to deceive or trick people into believing something that is not true. It is often used to describe false stories or rumors that are spread with the intention of causing confusion or panic.

For instance, “The viral video turned out to be a hoax.”
During a discussion about internet pranks, someone might say, “That was a well-executed hoax.”
A person might warn others, “Don’t fall for that hoax, it’s just a scam.”

3. Misinfo

Misinfo is a shortened form of the word “misinformation,” which refers to false or inaccurate information that is spread unintentionally. It can be the result of genuine mistakes, misunderstandings, or misinterpretations of facts.

For example, “I apologize for the misinfo in my previous post.”
During a conversation about the spread of rumors, someone might say, “We need to be careful not to spread misinfo.”
A person might correct a friend, saying, “That’s misinfo, let me share the correct information with you.”

4. Disinfo

Disinfo is a shortened form of the word “disinformation,” which refers to false or misleading information that is spread intentionally with the purpose of deceiving or manipulating others. It is often used in the context of propaganda or covert operations.

For instance, “The government is accused of spreading disinfo to control the narrative.”
During a discussion about the media’s role in society, someone might say, “We need to be vigilant against disinfo.”
A person might question the credibility of a news source, saying, “I suspect they are spreading disinfo.”

5. BS

BS is a colloquial term used to describe false or exaggerated statements or information. It is often used to express disbelief or frustration with something that is considered to be untrue or misleading.

For example, “That’s just a load of BS.”
During a heated argument, someone might say, “Stop spewing BS and present some facts.”
A person might express skepticism, saying, “I smell BS, something doesn’t add up here.”

6. Spin

Spin refers to the manipulation of information or facts in order to present a certain perspective or point of view. It involves shaping the narrative to favor a particular agenda or to influence public opinion.

For example, a politician might spin a negative event by emphasizing the positive aspects or downplaying the negative consequences.
In a news article, the author might use spin to present a biased view of an issue, swaying readers towards a specific opinion.
A company might spin its product as the best in the market, exaggerating its features and benefits.

7. Propaganda

Propaganda refers to information, ideas, or rumors spread deliberately to influence or manipulate public opinion. It often involves biased or misleading content that aims to shape people’s beliefs or actions.

For instance, during wartime, governments may use propaganda to rally support for their cause and demonize the enemy.
In political campaigns, candidates may use propaganda to paint themselves in a positive light and discredit their opponents.
A company might create propaganda to promote its products, exaggerating their benefits and hiding any negative aspects.

8. Misleading

Misleading refers to information that is false, deceptive, or designed to create a false impression. It can be intentional or unintentional and is often used to misguide or deceive people.

For example, a misleading advertisement might make false claims about a product’s effectiveness or benefits.
A news article with a misleading headline might lead readers to believe something that is not true.
A person spreading misleading information might do so to manipulate others or achieve a certain outcome.

9. Fabrication

Fabrication refers to the act of inventing or creating false information. It involves making up stories, events, or details that did not actually happen or exist.

For instance, a person might fabricate a story to gain attention or sympathy from others.
In journalism, fabricating information is considered a serious ethical violation that undermines the credibility of the profession.
A conspiracy theorist might fabricate evidence to support their claims, even if it is not based on reality.

10. Deception

Deception refers to the act of tricking or misleading others by concealing or distorting the truth. It involves intentionally creating a false impression or manipulating information to deceive.

For example, a scammer might use deception to trick people into giving them money or personal information.
In a magic trick, the magician uses deception to create illusions and make the audience believe something impossible.
A person engaging in deception might lie, withhold information, or manipulate facts to achieve their goals.

11. Tall tale

A tall tale is a story that is greatly exaggerated or embellished, often involving fantastical elements or impossible events. It is a form of storytelling that is meant to entertain and captivate listeners or readers.

For example, “Grandpa used to tell us tall tales about his adventures as a young boy.”
Someone might say, “Don’t believe everything he says, he’s known for spinning tall tales.”
In a discussion about folklore, a person might mention, “Tall tales are a common part of American folklore, often featuring larger-than-life characters and events.”

12. Scam

A scam refers to a dishonest or fraudulent scheme or operation that is designed to deceive and trick people in order to gain their money, personal information, or other valuable assets. Scams can take many forms and can be carried out through various mediums, such as phone calls, emails, or online platforms.

For instance, “I almost fell for an online scam that promised to double my money.”
A person might warn others by saying, “Be careful of that website, it’s a known scam.”
In a discussion about online security, someone might advise, “Always be skeptical of unsolicited emails asking for personal information, as they could be part of a scam.”

13. Con

To con someone means to deceive or trick them, often for personal gain. It involves manipulating someone’s trust or emotions in order to exploit them or obtain something from them. The term “con” can also refer to a confidence trick or a fraudulent scheme.

For example, “He conned me into lending him money by telling me a sob story.”
A person might say, “Don’t let him con you with his smooth talking.”
In a discussion about scams, someone might mention, “Many scams rely on the art of the con, convincing victims to hand over their money willingly.”

14. Urban legend

An urban legend is a type of modern folklore, often consisting of a fictional story or anecdote that is passed down through generations by word of mouth. Urban legends typically involve elements of horror, mystery, or cautionary tales, and are often presented as true stories.

For instance, “Have you heard the urban legend about the haunted house in our town?”
A person might say, “That’s just an urban legend, there’s no evidence to support it.”
In a discussion about popular myths, someone might mention, “Urban legends often serve as cautionary tales, warning people of potential dangers or risks.”

15. Fable

A fable is a short fictional story, often featuring animals or inanimate objects as characters, that conveys a moral lesson or teaches a specific truth or value. Fables are often used to illustrate human behavior and provide guidance on how to live a virtuous life.

For example, “The fable of ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ teaches us the importance of perseverance.”
A person might say, “Let me tell you a fable that will teach you a valuable lesson.”
In a discussion about storytelling, someone might mention, “Fables have been used for centuries to pass down wisdom and moral teachings.”

16. Myth

A myth is a widely held but false belief or idea. It is often based on tradition, superstition, or legends that have been passed down through generations.

For example, “It’s a common myth that eating carrots improves your eyesight.”
In a discussion about history, someone might say, “The myth that Christopher Columbus discovered America persists.”
A person might debunk a myth by saying, “Contrary to popular belief, cracking your knuckles does not cause arthritis.”

17. Rumor

A rumor is unverified information or gossip that is spread by word of mouth or through social media. It often lacks evidence and can be based on speculation or hearsay.

For instance, “There’s a rumor going around that the company is going bankrupt.”
In a discussion about celebrities, someone might say, “I heard a rumor that they’re dating.”
A person might respond to a rumor by saying, “Don’t believe everything you hear. It’s just a rumor.”

18. Gossip

Gossip refers to casual talk or rumors, often about other people’s personal lives or private matters. It is typically shared in a casual or informal setting.

For example, “Did you hear the latest gossip about our coworkers?”
In a discussion about a scandal, someone might say, “The gossip mill is buzzing with rumors.”
A person might share gossip by saying, “I have some juicy gossip to tell you about our neighbors.”

19. Misrepresentation

Misrepresentation refers to the act of distorting or falsely portraying something or someone. It involves presenting information in a way that is misleading or not entirely accurate.

For instance, “The politician’s speech was full of misrepresentations to sway public opinion.”
In a discussion about a product, someone might say, “The advertisement misrepresents the product’s capabilities.”
A person might accuse someone of misrepresentation by saying, “You’re twisting the facts to suit your agenda. That’s a misrepresentation.”

20. Cover-up

A cover-up is an attempt to conceal or hide the truth about a particular event or situation. It involves taking actions to prevent information from becoming public or to create a false narrative.

For example, “The government’s cover-up of the scandal was eventually exposed.”
In a discussion about a crime, someone might say, “The suspect tried to stage a cover-up by destroying evidence.”
A person might accuse someone of being involved in a cover-up by saying, “They’re trying to cover up their mistakes to protect their reputation.”

21. Charlatan

A charlatan is someone who pretends to have knowledge or skills they do not possess, often with the intention of deceiving others. It is used to describe someone who is dishonest or deceitful.

For example, “The psychic turned out to be a charlatan, as none of her predictions came true.”
In a discussion about fake doctors, one might say, “Beware of charlatans who claim to have miracle cures.”
A person might describe a dishonest politician as a charlatan, saying, “He’s just a charlatan who makes promises he can’t keep.”

22. Snake oil

Snake oil refers to a product or remedy that is fraudulent or ineffective. It is often used to describe something that is falsely marketed as a cure or solution.

For instance, “Those weight loss pills are just snake oil. They don’t actually work.”
In a conversation about miracle hair growth products, one might say, “Most of those serums are just snake oil.”
A person might warn others about a dubious investment opportunity, saying, “Don’t fall for the snake oil sales pitch. It’s a scam.”

23. Tall story

A tall story is a narrative that is exaggerated or fictional. It is often used to describe a story or statement that is not true or greatly embellished.

For example, “He told a tall story about his adventures in outer space, but no one believed him.”
In a discussion about urban legends, someone might say, “Urban legends are often tall stories passed down through generations.”
A person might describe an unbelievable claim as a tall story, saying, “That’s just a tall story. There’s no evidence to support it.”

24. Bunk

Bunk is a term used to describe something that is nonsense or false information. It is often used to express disbelief or to dismiss a claim.

For instance, “His explanation for the missing cookies was complete bunk.”
In a conversation about conspiracy theories, someone might say, “Most of those theories are just bunk.”
A person might respond to an implausible statement by saying, “That’s bunk. There’s no way that could be true.”

25. Deceptive

Deceptive is an adjective used to describe something that is misleading or dishonest. It is often used to describe actions, statements, or appearances that are intended to mislead or trick others.

For example, “The advertisement used deceptive tactics to convince people to buy the product.”
In a discussion about scams, someone might say, “Scammers often employ deceptive techniques to gain trust.”
A person might warn others about a manipulative individual, saying, “Be careful, he has a deceptive nature and can’t be trusted.”

26. Falsity

Falsity refers to information that is not true or accurate. It is a term used to describe misinformation, lies, or falsehoods.

For example, “The article is filled with falsities and misleading claims.”
A person might say, “Don’t believe everything you read online. There’s a lot of falsity out there.”
In a political context, someone might accuse their opponent of spreading falsities to gain support.

27. Faux

Faux is a term used to describe something that is not genuine or real. It can be used to refer to misinformation or deceptive practices.

For instance, “The news story turned out to be faux, with fabricated quotes and sources.”
A person might comment, “The faux information spread quickly on social media.”
In a discussion about scams, someone might warn, “Beware of faux websites that try to steal your personal information.”

28. Canard

Canard is a term used to describe a false or baseless rumor or story. It is often used to refer to misinformation or hoaxes that are spread intentionally.

For example, “The canard about the new product caused panic among consumers.”
A person might say, “Don’t fall for that canard. It’s just a made-up story.”
In a political context, someone might accuse their opponent of spreading canards to discredit them.

29. Sham

Sham refers to something that is not genuine or true. It can be used to describe misinformation or deceptive practices.

For instance, “The study turned out to be a sham, with manipulated data and false conclusions.”
A person might comment, “Don’t trust that website. It’s full of shams and misleading information.”
In a discussion about scams, someone might warn, “Be careful of sham products that promise unrealistic results.”

30. Charlatanism

Charlatanism refers to the use of deceptive or fraudulent practices to deceive others. It is a term used to describe misinformation or the spread of false information for personal gain.

For example, “The charlatanism of the self-proclaimed guru was exposed when his claims were proven false.”
A person might say, “Don’t fall for their charlatanism. They’re just trying to take advantage of people.”
In a discussion about scams, someone might warn, “Be wary of charlatanism in the health and wellness industry.”

31. Misreport

Misreport refers to the act of providing false or inaccurate information in a report or news article.

For example, a journalist might write, “The newspaper misreported the number of casualties in the accident.”
In a discussion about media credibility, someone might say, “Misreporting can lead to widespread misinformation.”
A news editor might apologize, “We apologize for the misreport and will issue a correction in tomorrow’s edition.”

32. Misinterpretation

Misinterpretation occurs when someone understands or interprets something incorrectly, leading to a misunderstanding or misinformation.

For instance, a student might say, “I misinterpreted the professor’s instructions and wrote the wrong essay.”
In a debate, someone might argue, “Misinterpretation of data can skew the results and lead to false conclusions.”
A person might reflect, “Sometimes misinterpretation can arise from cultural differences or language barriers.”

33. Fallacy

A fallacy is a mistaken belief or argument that is based on faulty reasoning or incorrect information.

For example, someone might say, “The argument that all politicians are corrupt is a fallacy.”
In a discussion about logical fallacies, a person might explain, “Ad Hominem is a common fallacy where someone attacks the person instead of addressing their argument.”
A critical thinker might point out, “Identifying fallacies is important to avoid being misled by faulty reasoning.”

34. Dubious

Dubious refers to something that is questionable, doubtful, or unreliable, often suggesting a lack of credibility or trustworthiness.

For instance, a person might say, “The website’s sources seem dubious, so I’m not sure if the information is accurate.”
In a discussion about conspiracy theories, someone might argue, “Many conspiracy theories are based on dubious claims and lack evidence.”
A skeptical individual might comment, “I find the credibility of that source to be highly dubious.”

35. Untruth

An untruth is a false statement or piece of information that is intentionally or unintentionally spread as fact.

For example, someone might say, “The politician’s claim about job creation is an untruth.”
In a conversation about honesty, a person might assert, “It’s important to always strive for truthfulness and avoid spreading untruths.”
A fact-checker might debunk an untruth by providing evidence and stating, “This statement is an untruth, as shown by these verified facts.”

36. Fiction

Fiction refers to a story or narrative that is not based on real events or facts. It can be used to describe false information or misleading content.

For example, someone might say, “That news article is pure fiction, don’t believe it.”
In a discussion about conspiracy theories, a person might argue, “Most of these theories are just fiction, there’s no evidence to support them.”
A person sharing a rumor might say, “I heard a piece of fiction about the company’s CEO stepping down.”

37. Bullshit

Bullshit is a term used to describe something that is false, exaggerated, or misleading. It is often used to express disbelief or frustration.

For instance, if someone tells a far-fetched story, you might respond, “That’s bullshit, I don’t believe you.”
In a heated argument, one person might accuse the other of talking bullshit, saying, “You’re just making things up.”
A person might use the term to express frustration with misleading information, saying, “I’m tired of all the bullshit in the news.”

38. Phony

Phony refers to something that is not genuine or authentic. It can be used to describe false information or deceptive behavior.

For example, if someone presents a fake ID, you might say, “That’s a phony ID, it’s not real.”
In a discussion about scams, a person might warn others, “Be careful, there are a lot of phony websites out there.”
A person might use the term to describe a dishonest politician, saying, “That politician is a phony, they don’t really care about the people.”

39. Cheat

Cheat refers to the act of deceiving or tricking someone. It can be used to describe spreading false information or manipulating facts.

For instance, if someone is caught cheating on a test, you might say, “They tried to cheat their way to a better grade.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, a person might accuse someone of cheating, saying, “They’re using false statistics to support their argument.”
A person might use the term to describe a misleading advertisement, saying, “That ad is a cheat, it promises things it can’t deliver.”

40. Falsehood

Falsehood refers to a statement or claim that is not true or accurate. It can be used to describe misinformation or deceptive information.

For example, if someone spreads a rumor, you might say, “Don’t believe that falsehood, it’s not true.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, a person might point out a falsehood, saying, “That statement is completely false, here are the real facts.”
A person might use the term to express frustration with misleading information, saying, “I’m tired of all the falsehoods being spread.”

41. Inaccuracy

Inaccuracy refers to information that is not accurate or correct. It can be unintentional or deliberate. Inaccuracy can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

For example, a news article might contain inaccuracies about a recent event.
In a conversation, someone might say, “There are some inaccuracies in your statement.”
A person might correct a piece of information by saying, “There’s an inaccuracy in this report.”

42. Distortion

Distortion refers to the act of altering or misrepresenting information, often with the intention of misleading or deceiving others. It can involve exaggeration, manipulation, or selective presentation of facts.

For instance, a photo might be distorted to make someone look larger or smaller than they actually are.
In a political campaign, a candidate might distort their opponent’s record to gain an advantage.
A person might accuse someone of distortion by saying, “You’re distorting the facts to support your argument.”

43. Exaggeration

Exaggeration is the act of making something seem larger, better, worse, or more important than it actually is. It is often used for emphasis or to create a dramatic effect.

For example, someone might say, “I’ve told you a million times!” when they’ve only said it a few times.
In a story, a person might exaggerate the size of a fish they caught.
A person might accuse someone of exaggeration by saying, “You’re exaggerating the impact of this event.”

44. Concoction

Concoction refers to the act of creating or inventing false information or stories. It involves making something up or fabricating details.

For instance, someone might concoct a story about witnessing a celebrity doing something outrageous.
In a court case, a witness might be accused of concocting their testimony.
A person might say, “I don’t believe a word of your concoction.”

45. Misinformation

Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that is spread or shared, often unintentionally. It can be misleading and can contribute to the spread of rumors or false beliefs.

For example, a social media post might contain misinformation about a health issue.
In a discussion, someone might say, “Let’s make sure we’re not spreading misinformation.”
A person might correct misinformation by providing accurate information and saying, “That’s not true, here are the facts.”

46. Unfounded

This term refers to information or claims that are not supported by evidence or facts. It suggests that the information has no foundation or basis in reality.

For example, “The rumor that she is a spy is completely unfounded.”
A journalist might write, “The article’s claims are unfounded and lack any credible sources.”
In a discussion about conspiracy theories, someone might say, “Many of these theories are based on unfounded speculation.”

47. Unverified

This word is used to describe information that has not been proven or validated. It suggests that the information has not undergone the necessary verification process.

For instance, “The news report contains unverified claims about the incident.”
A social media user might comment, “Please share only verified information to avoid spreading rumors.”
A journalist might write, “We are working to verify the authenticity of the leaked documents.”

48. Illusion

This term refers to something that appears real or true but is actually false or misleading. It suggests that the information creates a false impression or misleads the audience.

For example, “The magician created an illusion of the coin disappearing.”
A politician might be accused of creating an illusion of economic prosperity.
In a discussion about fake news, someone might say, “These websites are designed to create the illusion of credible news sources.”

49. Trickery

This word describes the use of dishonest or deceptive methods to deceive or manipulate others. It suggests that the information is intentionally misleading or designed to trick the audience.

For instance, “The scam artist used trickery to convince people to give him their money.”
A journalist might write, “The company’s marketing campaign relied on trickery and false promises.”
In a discussion about propaganda, someone might say, “The use of trickery is a common tactic to manipulate public opinion.”

50. Quackery

This term refers to the promotion of false or unproven medical practices or treatments. It suggests that the information is based on pseudoscience or fraudulent claims.

For example, “The advertisement for the miracle cure is pure quackery.”
A doctor might warn patients about the dangers of quackery in the healthcare industry.
In a discussion about alternative medicine, someone might say, “There is a fine line between legitimate treatments and quackery.”

51. Misinformation campaign

A deliberate and organized attempt to spread false or misleading information on a large scale. A misinformation campaign is often carried out with the intention of influencing public opinion or manipulating the narrative.

For example, during an election, a political party might launch a misinformation campaign to discredit their opponents.
In the context of social media, a user might post, “Beware of the misinformation campaign being spread about this topic.”
A journalist might investigate and report on a misinformation campaign, saying, “Evidence suggests that a foreign government is behind this misinformation campaign.”

52. False narrative

A false or misleading account of events or facts that is presented as true. A false narrative is often used to shape public opinion or advance a particular agenda.

For instance, in a political context, a candidate might create a false narrative about their opponent’s record to gain an advantage.
A news article might expose a false narrative, stating, “The claims made in this article are part of a larger false narrative being spread by certain interest groups.”
During a public controversy, someone might say, “It’s important to separate fact from fiction and not be swayed by false narratives.”