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It’s Untellin’

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "it’s untellin’" 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   #OldTimers   #Southern

Pronunciation

[ITS un-TELL-in]

Meaning & Usage

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

Asking about timing
Mae:
When will the rain stop?

Earl:
It’s untellin’.

other spellings: there’s no telling, and 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

Documented in Appalachian and Southern dialect studies and the Dictionary of American Regional English. It reflects the older Scots-Irish pattern of "un-" + verb to form an adjective ("untellable"), simplified in speech to "untellin’."

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

Kin Words, Stories and More

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.
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