The difference between (one who) bullshit(s) and a lie/liar?
On the surface, it seems the terms are used interchangeably.
However, if you philosophize a bit, you'll realize there's slight nuances between the two. I have a few theories in mind, but would like to hear your thoughts.
Obviously as a native English speaker, the conundrum here isn't with defining the word, but rather, the social context in which people choose one over the other.
So the question is, what factors do you consider when labeling someone as "one who bullshits" as opposed to a "liar"?
Bullshitter is more geared toward over-exagerration, fluff-talk, sweet talk, excuses, piggy backing off of basic knowledge to sound like an expert. Examples of such are Thought Leader Entrepreneur or Tai Lopez
Liar is fabrication, omission, deceptive actions or behaviors that are ill in intent for the purpose of obscuring the truth.
Bullshitting can actually be beneficial (fake it till you make it), whether it be a desperate non-related major applicant trying to score a IB gig, the past nerd trying to fit in when rushing a fraternity, or trying to convince that 6/10 tatooed daddy-issues feminist to go to bed with you tonight to show her how to be truly empowered. Liars are pieces of shit 100% of the time, bullshitters are mostly pieces of shit but sometimes tactful/necessary
Agreed but I would get make a point on the distinction between omission of information and lying.
Let's say you're at an interview. You bombed the GMAT and didn't put it on your CV. That's omission and as long as they don't ask about it you're in the clear. If they ask 'have you taken the GMAT?' and you reply 'no' then you're lying.
The principle behind omission is: if they don't ask, don't tell
Again, I think if it constitutes ill-intent, its lying.
Do I need to tell ex-communications major, fraternity rag, and HR drone in the phone-screen that I made the other Dean's list my first semester of college if she didn't ask me?
Probably not, because I need to score buzzwords to pass to the next interview stage.
On the other hand, if I try to launch my academic and subsequent political career as Senator by saying I am part cherokee (1/80th) and omit the fact that I am actually 1/80th when questioned, I am a liar.
One's MonacoMonkey on a good day, and one's MonacoMonkey on a bad day.
Bullshitting is a lot like "managing up" at work, which is an incredibly important skill to have to be happy and fulfilled at work. Your boss doesn't need to know about every issue on a task or project especially if you know you'll get them fixed and solved before he ever sees it.
Or if he expects a deliverable to him in 24 hours and you know you could get to him in 2-3 hours but you sit on that time to double-check it, get caught up on your other workload, or get out of the office on-time/early for your mental stability.
You not telling him isn't lying. It could be considered bullshitting, but it's definitely not lying.
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