It’s Untellin’

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "it’s untellin’" (often written "it’s untelling") means "there’s no telling" or "it’s hard to say." It’s a regional way to express uncertainty about time, outcome, or circumstances.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #DialectandGrammar #OldTimers #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Out in the country, you'll hear ‘it’s untellin’’, or ‘hit’s untellin’.’ They mean the same thing.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Out in the country, you'll hear ‘it’s untellin’’, or ‘hit’s untellin’.’ They mean the same thing.

Pronunciation

[ITS un-TELL-in]

Meaning & Usage

- It’s uncertain; it’s impossible to know (dialect phrase)

Mae:

When will the rain stop?

Earl:

It’s untellin’.

variations: there’s no telling, can’t say

★ "It’s untellin’" is the Appalachian/Southern equivalent of "there’s no telling." Using "un-" and dropping the "g" gives it an instantly recognizable dialect flavor. ★

Origin and Etymology

Found in Appalachian and Southern dialect studies, this reflects the older Scots-Irish pattern of "un-" + verb to form an adjective ("untellable"), simplified in speech to "untellin’."

Usage Notes

Still used among older speakers and in rural communities. Outside the South it’s rare and may puzzle listeners, but it’s a hallmark of authentic Appalachian speech.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "it’s un-tellin’." The "g" is dropped at the end, giving it a soft, rural sound.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does it literally mean "can’t be told"?

Yes - figuratively it means "it’s impossible to know or predict."

Is it uniquely Southern?

Strongest in Southern/Appalachian speech but understandable as "there’s no telling."

Do people still use it today?

Yes - though mostly among older generations and in storytelling.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). It’s Untelling. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/its-untelling
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "It’s Untelling." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/its-untelling.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "It’s Untelling." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/its-untelling.

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