white lie

A lie about something trivial, or a lie for which there will be few consequences if you're caught.

"Tom, did you do your homework?" (Tom, busy at the computer playing games, his unopened backpack next to him), "Yeah, Mom." or
"Tom, did you brush your teeth tonight?" (Tom, who just got in bed and is extrememly ready for some shut-eye) "Uh, yeah Mom."

by Erik, aka VladtheBad February 20, 2004