デマ
でま
noun
false rumor; hoax; misinformation
1.
false rumor; hoax; misinformation
A deliberately or carelessly spread piece of false information. Abbreviated from the German word 'Demagogie' (demagoguery). In modern Japanese, it refers broadly to any false rumor or piece of misinformation, especially one spread online or through word of mouth.
それはデマだよ。
That's a false rumor.
SNSでデマが広がっている。
Misinformation is spreading on social media.
災害時にデマを流すのは非常に危険な行為だ。
Spreading false rumors during a disaster is an extremely dangerous act.
ETYMOLOGY:
From German 'Demagogie' (demagoguery). Originally used in political contexts to describe propaganda, but the meaning has broadened to include any false rumor or misinformation.
USAGE:
デマ is stronger than 噂 (rumor), as it specifically implies the information is false. It has become especially common in the context of internet misinformation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- デマを流す (to spread a false rumor)
- デマが広がる (misinformation spreads)
- デマ情報 (false information)
- デマに惑わされる (to be misled by misinformation)