- A minor, harmless, or trivial lie told out of politeness, kindness, or to avoid causing offense or hurting someone's feelings.
- It's considered socially acceptable in many situations.
Explanation
Origin
- The concept contrasts with a black lie, which implies malice or significant deceit.
- White is symbolically associated with purity, innocence, and harmlessness in many Western cultures.
- The term has been in use since at least the 18th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Fib
- Stretching the truth (Often implies more exaggeration than a simple white lie)
- Being diplomatic
- Sugarcoating it (Making something seem better/less harsh than it is)
Milder:
- A little fib
- Not the whole truth
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Widely understood concept, relevant in discussions about interpersonal communication and ethics. Avoid boasting about telling lies in professional settings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers need to understand it's considered distinct from a serious or malicious lie. The white signifies its perceived harmlessness.
Examples
- I told her I liked her new haircut, but it was just a white lie.
- He told a white lie about being busy to avoid going to the party.
- Sometimes a little white lie is necessary to keep the peace.
Dialogue
Anna: Did you like the cake I baked? Be honest!
Ben: It was... interesting! Very creative.
Anna: (Laughing) That sounds like a white lie. Was it awful?
Ben: Well, maybe a little dry. But the thought was lovely!
Social Media Examples
- Poll: Is it ever okay to tell a white lie to spare someone's feelings? Yes / No / Depends #ethics #whitelie
- Post: Confession: I told my friend her experimental cooking was 'delicious'. Pretty sure that was the biggest white lie of my life. 😂 #friendship #honesty
Response Patterns
- Understanding/Acceptance: Yeah, sometimes you have to. / I get it.
- Mild disapproval/Questioning: Hmm, was that really necessary? / Couldn't you have just been honest?
- Justification (from the teller): Well, I didn't want to hurt her feelings.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone admits to telling a white lie:
- Asking about the actual truth: So what did you really think?
- Discussing the ethics: Do you think that was the right thing to do?
- Sharing a similar experience: I've had to do that before too.
Conversation Starter
- Can be used to start discussions about social etiquette, honesty, or specific situations. Do you think telling white lies is ever okay?
Intonation
- Usually spoken matter-of-factly or slightly apologetically.
- Stress often falls on WHITE. WHITE lie.
Generation Differences
- Understood by all generations. The ethics surrounding it might be discussed differently across age groups.
Regional Variations
- Universal in English-speaking countries.