Why are they called "white lies"?

What is a white lie?

Does it count as a lie?

If we find out that the lie was a "white lie" are we then relieved and glad that it was only a "white" lie?

Not getting this expression nor the need for it.

A white lie would be something you would say to not hurt someones feelings. "Those jeans certainly don't make your azz look big"........

According to Bill Clinton, there is no such thing as a white lie.

Thats Bad.

So intention determines the evil of the lie?

I agree they have no color what so ever.

No but sometimes the truth cannot be appropriate. Depending on the situation.

When is the truth inappropriate?


Is it easier to tell the "white lie" than to find a way to say the truth tactfully?

OK. Lets say a person asks you over for dinner. The dinner tastes so bad you wouldn't even feed it to your dog. What would you say? I would say sorry but I'm just not very hungry and stop at Wendys on the way home.....Little White Lie.......

The origin is interesting...

It’s based on the ancient Western idea of polar opposites, represented in popular culture through white meaning good and black its evil antithesis. We have white magic, for example, beneficent magic that’s opposed to the malign black variety. The term white paternoster meant a prayer or charm recited to protect against evil at night (of which one version that survives is the old children’s rhyme “Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Bless the bed that I lie on”). The opposite was a black paternoster, a spell recited to conjure up evil spirits or devils.
Along the same lines, a white lie is one that lacks evil intent, as opposed to a black lie, which is most certainly malevolent, though normally we don’t bother to specify that lies are evil. A white lie is harmless or trivial, frequently one said in order to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. The term is first found in the eighteenth century, when it suggested something slightly different:
A certain Lady of the highest Quality ... makes a judicious Distinction between a white Lie and a black Lie. A white Lie is That which is not intended to injure any Body in his Fortune, Interest, or Reputation but only to gratify a garrulous Disposition and the Itch of amusing People by telling Them wonderful Stories.

How about no lie and when asked you omit the fact that is wasn't good and just say you are done?

I have told people that I did not like their food. Too salty for me or whatever. I always say sorry when I have to tell them something that might hurt their feelings. Not everyone likes everything the same. Right?

That is true but what if they really put in alot of effort into it. It isn't like you don't appreciate the gesture. The chicken just tastes like wood. Nobody wants to hurt anyones feelings. I certainly wouldn't if it could be avoided......

Who determined black was evil?

I remember in my search for religion I found in a Wiccan book that the author did not refer to bad magic as black magic because the black is a power color and does have power of good.

I am asking because I was recently asked to tell a "white lie" and wouldn't do it but was curious as to what people believed of it.

I believe lies are just lies no category needed.

That is why I say "sorry" and "not meaning to be hurtful".

The way I figure, if I lie about the food, the next time I go over there, they will cook " what I like" again and I will have to repeat the same "white lie" again and again. Right?

By many it is considered that "light the day" is good and "dark, the night is where evil lurks...

I disagree that white is good and black is evil. I believe they are all equal colors or lack of color in the case of white.

I don't agree with the black or white thing. I have always believed in ones intentions. Whether they be good or evil....

The point for me is that it has nothing to do with "color", especially of the skin... It has to do with light or dark as in the sky, heaven or hell...

I agree if it were a friend. I would say this food sucks but if it were someone you know you would never have to see again? Why even bring it up?

So "white lies" to strangers is more acceptable?

Maybe if we told the strangers the truth, they may improve their food for the next strangers?

Maybe?