fib

A small or harmless lie - often used instead of saying someone "lied," especially with children.

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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?

Estel:

Nope.

Elmer:

Now, Estel, don’t be tellin’ fibs.

- To tell a fib (verb)

Elmer:

You said you could run a mile in four minutes.

Estel:

I was just fibbin’.

other spellings: 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.

Kin Topics

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Common Questions

Is a fib the same as a lie?

Technically yes, but "fib" suggests it’s small or harmless.

Do people still say "fib"?

Yes, though it’s more common among older generations and in family settings.

Why use "fib" instead of "lie"?

It’s gentler, especially when talking to children, and avoids making someone sound mean-spirited.