This is a numerical claim that mysteriously shifts over the course of a conversation. Note that there are two different ways this can vary--the number can either increase or decrease, and it can either converge on the correct number (in which case this is a form of Verbal Backspace) or start near-correct and end up somewhere wild. A sure sign of a Bad Liar. Not to be confused with Victor Borge's "Inflationary Language" routine. Examples of Inflationary Dialogue include: