WorldAugust 22, 2026

hoax

HOHKS

Definition

A falsehood or fabrication deliberately presented as the truth to deceive others.

Etymology

The word originated in the late 18th century, likely as a contraction of 'hocus', which itself stems from the magical incantation 'hocus pocus' used by stage magicians to trick audiences.

In the news

The article uses the word to describe Alex Jones' false claims that the Sandy Hook massacre was a fabricated event. It highlights the harmful nature of his misinformation campaign against the victims' families.

What to know about Alex Jones' Texas court win and more than $1 billion in damages he still faces

Read the full article ↗

The Washington Post

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