The character Rick C-137 systematically manipulates information across all four linguistic dimensions of quantity, quality, relation, and manner to deceive others.

Linguistic research into the show's first season shows that Rick's dialogue is a masterclass in deception. Using Information Manipulation Theory, researchers analyzed how Rick talks to his family and allies. He does not just tell simple lies. Instead, he carefully controls how much information he gives, alters the truth of his statements, derails conversations to change the subject, and speaks in vague, confusing ways to keep others off balance.