I'm pretty sure a hoax requires a deliberate deception. From the definition: Noun: something intended to deceive or defraud Otherwise it's just a mistake, mi

I'm pretty sure a hoax requires a deliberate deception. From the definition: Noun: something intended to deceive or defraud Otherwise it's just a mistake, misunderstanding, or other form of "just being incorrect". If they said "we know it's not a meteor, let's tell everyone it is anyway" - then it's a hoax. Let's not dilute the word.