One of the most intriguing mysteries being investigated by cryptozoologists is "Bigfoot," a large hairy humanoid creature which many people claim to have seen in parts of North America. In 1967, a film of Bigfoot was actually taken by an amateur photographer. Some scientists are convinced of Bigfoot's existence, while others argue that Bigfoot is just an elaborate hoax.

The word "hoax" in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to