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 #DialectandGrammar #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.

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 Etymology

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.

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 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

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.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Telling Stories. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/telling-stories
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Telling Stories." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/telling-stories.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Telling Stories." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/telling-stories.