A great description from the 3rd century BCE: Now Dissembling would seem, to define it generally, to be an affectation of the worst in word and deed and the Di

A great description from the 3rd century BCE: Now Dissembling would seem, to define it generally, to be an affectation of the worst in word and deed and the Dissembler will be disposed rather to go up to an enemy and talk with him than to show his hatred; he will praise to his face one he has girded at behind his back; he will commiserate even his adversary's ill-fortune in losing his case to him. More, he will forget his vilifiers, and will laugh in approval of what is said against him; to such as are put upon and resent it he will speak blandly; any that are in haste to see him are bidden go back home. He never admits he is doing it; and makes pretenses, as that he's but now come upon the scene, or joined the company late, or was ill abed. If you are borrowing of your friend and put him under contribution, he will tell you he is but a poor man; when he would sell you anything, no, it is not for sale; when he would not, why then it is. He pretends he has not heard when he hears, and says he has not seen when he sees; and when he has admitted you right he avers he has no remembrance of it. He'll look into this, doesn't know that, is surprised at the other; this again is just the conclusion he once came to himself. He is forever saying such things as “I don't believe it”; “If so, he must have changed”; “I never expected this”; “Don't tell me”; “Whether to disbelieve you or make a liar of him is more than I can tell”; “Don't you be too credulous.” - Theophrastus (c. 371 – c. 287 BCE)