How to Stop Misusing the Word “Hypocrisy”

Boston College philosopher Peter Kreeft:

The common, modern misunderstanding of hypocrisy [is] not practicing what you preach. . . . Actually, we have misdefined “hypocrisy.” Hypocrisy is not the failure to practice what you preach but the failure to believe it. Hypocrisy is propaganda.

The great art critic William Hazlitt (1778-1830):

He is a hypocrite who professes what he does not believe; not he who does not practice all he wishes or approves.

The American Heritage Dictionary:

[Hypocrisy is] the practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; falseness.

Inigo Montoya:

You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

HT: Joe Carter