LIAR

"Lexicon of Inconspicuously Ambiguous Recommendations "

You're called for a recommendation of a friend who is extremely lazy. You
don't want to lie, but you also don't want to risk losing even a lazy
friend. Try this line: "In my opinion," you say as sincerely as you can
manage, "you will be very fortunate to get this person to work for you."

This gem of double meaning is the creation of Robert Thornton, a professor
of economics at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. Thornton was frustrated
about an occupational hazard for teachers, having to write letters of
recommendation for former students with dubious qualifications, so he put
together an arsenal of statements that can be read two ways. He calls his
collection the Lexicon of Inconspicuously Ambiguous Recommendations. Or
"LIAR", for short.

LIAR may be used to offer a negative opinion of the personal qualities, work
habits or motivation of the candidate while allowing the candidate to
believe that it is high praise, Thornton explained.

Some examples from LIAR:

* To describe a person who is totally inept:
"I most enthusiastically recommend this candidate with no
qualifications whatsoever."

* To describe an ex-employee who had problems getting along with fellow
workers:
"I am pleased to say that this candidate is a former colleague of
mine."

* To describe a candidate who is so unproductive that the job would be
better left unfilled:
"I can assure you that no person would be better for the job."

* To describe a job applicant who is not worth further consideration:
"I would urge you to waste no time in making this candidate an offer of
employment."

* To describe a person with lackluster credentials:
"All in all, I cannot say enough good things about this candidate or
recommend him too highly."

Thornton pointed out that LIAR is not only useful in preserving friendships,
but it also can help avoid serious legal trouble in a time when laws have
eroded the confidentiality of letters of recommendation.In most states, he
noted, job applicants have the right to read the letters of recommendations
and can even file suit against the writer if the contents are negative. When
the writer uses LIAR, however, whether perceived correctly or not by the
candidate, the phrases are virtually litigation-proof, Thornton said.

Anyone think of some more "creative" references?

 

I thought this oddly humorous. Tactful without lying. But NOT suggesting anyone do this. Just smile at the examples!

 

"I thought this oddly humorous"

"Not only that it's funny too."

"And it caused some to smile."

We can go on if any desire . . .