Cock and Bull Story
Definition
Cock and bull story: A far-fetched tale, intended to deceive. This term dates from approximately 1600. Some say it refers to an English coaching inn where such tales were spun; others believe it alludes to a fable about a cock and a bull. By the eighteenth century, it had come to mean any tall tale.
Related Terms & Synonyms
- Tall Tale: A story with unbelievable elements, told as if it were true.
- Fish Story: An extravagant and unbelievable tale, especially about fishing.
- Whopper: A big lie or exaggerated story.
- Fabrication: An invention or creation, particularly of a story or lie.
- Yarn: A long, often elaborate, tale of events; often presented humorously.
Similar Expressions
- Load of baloney: Nonsense.
- Pack of lies: A completely false story.
- Fairy tale: A story usually involving magic and fantastical events.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “He spun a cock and bull story so long I needed a nap halfway through it!” – Invented by Our Humorous Author
- “That tale was so embroidered, you could wear it.” – Folklore Frolicker
- “He wouldn’t know the truth if it bit him on the nose. Such a cock and bull story!” – Satirical Storyteller Extraordinaire
Related Proverbs
- “The bigger the lie, the more people will believe it.” – Often attributed to Adolf Hitler’s spin doctors Joseph Goebbels, though its legitimacy is highly debated.
- “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” – Often misattributed to Mark Twain, but nonetheless, it’s a pithy observation on the nature of fibbing.
Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- “Big Fish” (2003) by Tim Burton – A film based on a novel by Daniel Wallace. A modern-day tall tale about a father’s extraordinary life.
- “The Adventures of Baron Munchausen” (1988) by Terry Gilliam – A surreal film piled high with tall-tale moments.
- “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” by Mark Twain – A humorous short story with allegory hints of a cock-and-bull.
### Which of these is a genuine tall tale?
- [ ] A squirrel moonwalked on my rooftop last night
- [x] The fisherman caught a fish as big as a truck
- [ ] My shoes started singing this morning
- [ ] The cat recited Shakespeare
> **Explanation:** "The fisherman caught a fish as big as a truck" is an example of a tall tale, as it features common exaggerations used in storytelling and fishing.
### Which phrase means the same as "cock and bull story"?
- [x] Tall Tale
- [ ] Thread and button story
- [ ] Sparrow and hound saga
- [ ] Blanket and pillow narrative
> **Explanation:** "Tall Tale" is a synonym for "cock and bull story," referring to an exaggerated or unbelievable story.
### True or False: ‘Cock and Bull Story’ originated from a specific English coaching inn
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** The origin of "cock and bull story" is debated, with some theories suggesting it refers to an English coaching inn, but it isn't definitively proven.
“In every cock and bull story lies a tiny kernel of truth. Find it, and you’ll unlock the essence of human creativity.” – Tallulah Tellatale
Farewell, dear reader, and may your life be filled with the finest tales!
End of this whimsical journey from Tallulah Tellatale, october 2023.
