Voorgelogen

Voorgelogen is a Dutch neologism that denotes the act of lying about future events or outcomes before they occur, i.e., a preemptive deception. The term combines voor- (“before”) with gelogen, the past participle of liegen (to lie). It is used to label statements or claims that are knowingly false when made, in anticipation of upcoming information or situations.

Etymology and usage

Voorgelogen is formed from the prefix voor- and gelogen, and is primarily found in journalistic and opinion contexts as a provocative descriptor for pre-emptive misinformation. It can function as a noun (een voorgelogene verklaring) or as an adjective (een voorgelogen bewering). Because it is a relatively new and informal term, its acceptance and dictionary presence vary by region and publication.

Context and implications

The concept is often applied to political speeches, press releases, or public statements in which promises or asserted facts about future events are presented as true before verifiable evidence exists. Advocates of the term argue that voorgelogen statements undermine accountability, erode trust, and distort public discourse. Critics may view it as a rhetorically charged label that emphasizes intent and timing rather than substantive accuracy alone.

Examples

De voorgelogene belofte van de minister bleek binnen enkele maanden onhoudbaar. Critics beschuldigen de regering van voorgelogen beweringen over bezuinigingen die niet zijn uitgekomen.

Relation to other concepts

Voorgelogen relates closely to misinformation and disinformation but is distinguished by its emphasis on statements about future events and the claim of intentional deception before facts are known. It occupies a critical, often polemical niche in analyses of political communication.