canulars

Canulars are deliberately deceptive statements or stories presented as fact, designed to mislead, amuse, or provoke. The term is used especially to describe hoaxes, fake announcements, or urban legends that circulate as though true, often via media or the internet. In English, the word is borrowed from French canular, which refers to a prank or joke.

Canulars take many forms. They may be text posts, images, videos, or fabricated documents that mimic legitimate sources. They spread through social networks, email chains, or traditional media, sometimes accompanied by plausible-sounding details, logos, or quotes to appear credible. Some are short-lived and quickly debunked, while others persist as urban legends.

Distinctions: Canulars differ from satire in intent; a canular aims to deceive or test credulity rather than merely critique. They can also be mistaken as misinformation when shared without verification. The term is more commonly used in French or francophone contexts; in English, canulars are often referred to as hoaxes, pranks, or fake news.

Effects and response: Canulars can cause reputational harm, prompt policy responses, or influence public opinion, particularly when they involve celebrities, public health, or political topics. Fact-checking, source verification, and critical media literacy are typical responses; platforms may label or remove clearly deceptive content.

See also: hoax, misinformation, fake news, urban legend, April Fools' Day joke, satire.