  Tellin’ StoriesIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "tellin’ stories" means spinning tall tales, fibbing a little, or joking around. It’s more playful than calling someone a liar - it’s about exaggeration and good humor. Hillbilly Dude Says...  I can still here my Momma's voice in my head, 'don't be tellin's stories!' This one is still in use today, especially out in the hills. Pronunciation[TELL-in STOHR-eez] Meaning & Usage- Fibbing / Exaggerating (verb phrase)
Estel:
He said he caught a fish bigger’n the boat.
Mae:
He’s just tellin’ stories.- Playful Yarn-Spinning (verb phrase)
Ruby:
Sit a spell - he loves tellin’ stories.other spellings: tellin’ stories, telling stories, tellin’ a story, and telling a story ★ If someone says you’re "tellin’ stories," don’t take offense. It means you’ve got a gift for colorin’ up the truth to make it more fun. ★ OriginRooted in the oral tradition of Appalachia, where storytelling has always been part of community life. The phrase shifted from literal "telling a story" to meaning "fibbing a little" in casual talk. Notes"Tellin’ stories" is still common across Appalachia and the South. It captures the mountain love of humor, exaggeration, and spinning a good yarn. Say It Like a SouthernerDrop the final "g" and smooth it out: "tellin’ stories." Drawn out slow, it sounds even more playful, like "tale-in’ stoo-ries." | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
Slang and folklore change from place to place - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use →
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content may not be reused without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking Since 2025