They Speak Formally. Bill Clinton said "I did not have sexual relations" instead of the more familiar contraction "I didn't have...". This is typical of people who are lying; to avoid contractions and use more formal language to distance themselves from the lie.
I'd never heard of this rule until a Headline News anchor confirmed it on TV, again citing Bill Clinton as the gold standard of liars. I don't know how that man ever fooled us with his ridiculously stilted words! I feel like an idiot, being duped with so many tall tales, but with this handy rule I know it won't happen again. In the future I'll be on the lookout for truthtellers using honest words like these:
- Houston, we've a problem.
- We're the world.
- We'll fight on the beaches.
- We're not amused.
- I'll return.
- We're legion.
- I'm Spartacus.
- I've a dream.
- I'm the greatest.
- Don't judge, or you too'll be judged.
- The only thing we've to fear is fear itself.
- I'm what I'm.
- Thou shan't kill.
