noun a false or baseless, usually derogatory story, report, or rumor
Canard can also refer to a type of literary hoax or false report, often spread for humorous or satirical purposes.
In cooking, canard is the French word for duck, often used in dishes like 'canard à l'orange' (duck with orange sauce).
In aviation, a canard refers to an aircraft configuration where the tailplane is ahead of the main lifting surfaces.
In the world of journalism, a canard refers to a false or misleading report that is often circulated as if it were true. Writers must be careful to fact-check their sources and avoid spreading canards.
Psychologists may encounter the term canard when discussing cognitive biases or misinformation. They may use it to describe a belief or idea that is widely accepted but has little or no evidence to support it.
Politicians may use the term canard to discredit false rumors or accusations that are spread about them. They may also use it to refer to misleading information used by their opponents.
In marketing, a canard can refer to false or exaggerated claims made about a product or service. Marketing specialists must be careful to avoid using canards in their advertising to maintain credibility with consumers.