Apocryphal Quote
A quote attributed to a famous person that they almost certainly never said.
An apocryphal quote is one of doubtful or unverifiable authenticity. The word comes from the Greek apokryphos, meaning hidden or obscure, originally used of scriptural texts of uncertain status.
In quotation culture, an apocryphal quote is usually attributed to a well-known figure and circulates widely despite the absence of any primary source. Examples include 'Be the change you wish to see in the world' (Gandhi), 'If you tell a lie big enough...' (Goebbels), and 'I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it' (Voltaire — actually his biographer Evelyn Beatrice Hall).
An apocryphal quote can still be valuable. The line itself may be wise. The honest move is to mark it: 'often attributed to X, source unknown', or simply 'as the saying goes'.
“Let them eat cake.”
Keep reading the glossary
Assigning a quote to the wrong person — the most common error in quotation.
A quote deliberately invented and attributed to someone for credibility, humour, or harm.
The act of naming the original speaker or writer of a quote.
Reproducing a quote with the wording changed — even if the source is correct.