Teachers, sellers, advocates, speakers, and others are accountable for what they say. False promises, invented endorsements, and manipulative persuasion can cause real financial or social harm.
Example: A seller who knows a product has a serious defect but conceals it behind attractive sales language exploits speech. A fair transaction discloses material facts.
The metaphor should not be used to disparage occupations that depend on lawful communication. The distinction is honesty versus deception.