   Tellin’ StoriesIn 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. 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] 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 and EtymologyRooted 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. Usage 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 SouthernerDrop the final "g" and smooth it out: "tellin’ stories." Drawn out slow, it sounds even more playful, like "tale-in’ stoo-ries." | ...
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