A red herring that is so absurd as to alert the listener that the speaker is telling a lie. Oftentimes the lie is told when telling the truth would be simple but slightly uncomfortable.
Friend 1: Are we still on for coffee?
Friend 2: No, there is something I have to tell you.
Friend 1: What is it?
Friend 2: I have cancer...
Friend 1: Are you pulling a Melville?
Boyfriend: There is something I need to tell you.
Girlfiend: What?
Boyfriend: I am sexually attracted to men.
Girlfriend: Are you pulling a Melville, we can just break up you know?
Friend 2: No, there is something I have to tell you.
Friend 1: What is it?
Friend 2: I have cancer...
Friend 1: Are you pulling a Melville?
Boyfriend: There is something I need to tell you.
Girlfiend: What?
Boyfriend: I am sexually attracted to men.
Girlfriend: Are you pulling a Melville, we can just break up you know?
by bklyn667 December 23, 2009