Fib
A small or harmless lie - often used instead of saying someone "lied," especially with children.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We were never 'llowed to say a siblin' was lyin'. So we'd say they was tellin' fibs or fibbin.. Pronunciation
[FIB]
Meaning & Usage
- A minor untruth (noun)
Elmer:
Did you eat the last piece o’ pie?
Did you eat the last piece o’ pie?
Estel:
Nope.
Nope.
Elmer:
Now, Estel, don’t be tellin’ fibs.
Now, Estel, don’t be tellin’ fibs.- To tell a fib (verb)
Elmer:
You said you could run a mile in four minutes.
You said you could run a mile in four minutes.
Estel:
I was just fibbin’.
I was just fibbin’.variations: none
★ Calling it a "fib" softens the blow - it’s a way to correct without accusing someone of a serious lie. ★
Origin
Likely from the early 18th century British slang "fib," meaning "to tell a lie," of uncertain origin. Popularized in the U.S. as a gentler term, especially in the South and Appalachia.
Notes
"Fib" is often used with children or in playful conversation - rarely for serious dishonesty.