Hoax

A hoax is an attempt to trick an audience into believing that something false is real. Generally there is some material object involved, which is actually a forgery. Unlike a fraud or con (which usually has an audience of one or a few), which are made for illicit financial or material gain, or a fraud which is perpetrated to support a false religion, a hoax is often perpetrated as a practical joke with a humorous intent, to cause embarrassment, for personal aggrandizement or to serve political purposes. Still, many confidence tricks and the like have also been labeled as hoaxes.

Hoax traditions

During certain events and at particular times of year, hoaxes are perpetrated by many people and groups. The most famous of these is certainly April Fool's Day, the annual 'open season' for fictional accounts and dubious announcements.

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A New Zealand tradition is the capping stunt, wherein university students perpetrate a hoax upon an unsuspecting population. The Acts are traditionally executed near autumn (in May) graduation (the "capping").

Related Topics:
New Zealand - Capping stunt - University - Graduation

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Also, Mexico has its Innocent's Day, on December 28, to make "innocent" a person with jokes and hoaxes. The origin is a deviation from the Catholic memorial for the children that were killed in Jesus' childhood.

Related Topics:
Mexico - Innocent's Day

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