What exactly is a white lie? How did the saying come about that it was white?

Answer 1

White, traditionally, means pure or innocent. A white lie is an "innocent lie" meant to do know harm, but rather to keep harm from being done (avoid hurt feelings, etc.). It's the same concept as women traditionally wearing white to their weddings...a symbol of being pure, innocent (if of course the bride is, which is why nowadays women can marry in all sorts of colors! lol).

Answer 2

A white lie would cause no discord if it were uncovered and offers some benefit to the liar or the hearer, or both. As a concept, it is largely defined by local custom and cannot be clearly separated from regular lies with any authority. As such the term may have differing meanings in different cultures. Lies which are harmless but told for no reason are generally not called white lies. Other words its an unimportant lie
Sorry I don't know how it came to be

Answer 3

All you have to say is, "I'd love to come, but sadly, I have a prior commitment-- I'll see you at the wedding". This is not a lie; you have a date with yourself. If anyone asks for an explanation, tell them you'd rather not talk about it. Again, no lie involved. (such a question is rude, by the way)

Answer 4

sin was black and truth was white. a white lie was one which the teller felt would not be harmful to anyone or would in some cases prevent harm or conflict. thus they rationalized it as not really a lie. but GOD hates a liar above all others so it was sort of a quandary.