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Tellin’ Stories

In 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.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Southern

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.
variations: tellin’ stories, telling stories, tellin’ a story, 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. ★

Origin

Rooted 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 Southerner

Drop the final "g" and smooth it out: "tellin’ stories." Drawn out slow, it sounds even more playful, like "tale-in’ stoo-ries."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "tellin’ stories" mean lying?
Not exactly - it’s softer. It means exaggerating, joking, or stretching the truth.
Is it always playful?
Usually, yes. Tone of voice makes it clear whether it’s gentle teasing or mild scolding.
Do kids hear it a lot?
Definitely. Parents and grandparents use it when a child spins a wild tale.
Is it unique to Appalachia?
It’s heard across the South, but Appalachia gave it a strong tie to oral storytelling traditions.
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About
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