Tellin’ Stories
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "telling stories" means exaggerating, fibbing lightly, or spinning playful tales, usually without ill intent.
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. 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]
/ˈtɛl.ɪn ˈstɔr.iːz/
/ˈtɛl.ɪn ˈstɔr.iːz/
Meaning & Usage
- Fibbing or exaggerating (verb phrase)
Estel:
He said he caught a fish bigger’n the boat.
He said he caught a fish bigger’n the boat.
Mae:
He’s just tellin’ stories.
He’s just tellin’ stories.variations: tellin’ stories
★ If somebody says you’re "tellin’ stories," they’re not calling you dishonest - just lively with your imagination. ★
Origin and Etymology
The phrase comes from literal storytelling, long central to Appalachian and Southern community life. Over time, the expression broadened to mean light exaggeration or playful untruths, especially in family and informal settings.
Usage Notes
"Telling stories" remains common across the South and Appalachia, where humor, exaggeration, and oral tradition shape everyday conversation. The phrase is typically mild, affectionate, and context-dependent - serious deception is never implied.
- Often used when a child or friend embellishes a tale.
- Tone determines meaning - teasing vs. gentle correction.
- Common in rural areas and older generations.
- Distinct from accusing someone of lying; it signals playfulness, not wrongdoing.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, December 9). Telling Stories. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/telling-stories
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Telling Stories." HillbillySlang.com, 9 Dec. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/telling-stories.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Telling Stories." HillbillySlang.com. December 9, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/telling-stories.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...