Semiotics is in principle the discipline studying everything which can be used in order to lie. If something cannot be used to tell a lie, conversely it cannot be used to tell the truth: it cannot in fact be used "to tell" at all.

Umberto Eco
About This Quote

In other words, semiotics is the study of signs and symbols. It explores the concept of how signs and symbols can be used to relay a message or meaning, or how they can be used to distort the true meaning of a word or phrase. In short, it's the study of manipulating language to deceive.

Source: A Theory Of Semiotics

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