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. Hillbilly Dude Says... Pronunciation[ITS un-TELL-in] Meaning & Usage- It’s uncertain; it’s impossible to know (dialect phrase)
Mae:
Earl:
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. ★ OriginDocumented 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’." NotesStill 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 SouthernerSaid plain: "it’s un-tellin’." The "g" is dropped at the end, giving it a soft, rural sound. | ...
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