What is a "canard"?

The term "canard" refers specifically to a deliberately misleading fabrication or a false rumor. It originated from the French word for "duck," which historically was used to describe a "duck" in a sense of evasion or trickery—something that is not what it seems. In modern usage, a canard is often associated with disinformation or hoaxes that are spread as truth, affecting public perception or opinion.

This understanding is reinforced by the context in which the term has been employed, primarily in discussions about journalism, politics, and social media, where false narratives can have significant consequences. The other options do not align with the meaning of "canard," with one suggesting a factual statement, another implying unintentional advice, and the last referring to an actual bird rather than a concept rooted in deception.