Pronunciation: [tˈɛlɪŋ tˈe͡ɪlz] (IPA) 
The phrase "telling tales" is spelled with a double "L" in both words. This is because the word "tale" is derived from the Old English word "talu," which was pronounced with a double "L." The phonetic transcription of "telling tales" in IPA is /ˈtɛlɪŋ teɪlz/. The first syllable of "telling" is a stressed "tel" sound, while the second syllable of "tales" is pronounced with a long "a" sound, similar to the word "hale."
Telling tales refers to the act of recounting stories or narratives, often in a manner that may not entirely correspond to the truth or actual events. It commonly involves the sharing of accounts that are fictionalized, exaggerated, or embellished for various purposes such as entertainment, deception, or manipulation. This phrase can also be used to describe the act of spreading rumors or gossip, thereby constructing narratives that may not accurately represent reality.
When someone is telling tales, they are essentially engaging in the art of storytelling, but with a particular emphasis on deviating from the factual truth. This can be done by adding imaginary details, altering events, or fabricating entirely new scenarios. The intention behind telling tales can vary, ranging from harmless fun or creative expression to more sinister motives like defaming others or manipulating situations to one's advantage.
Telling tales is a form of verbal expression deeply rooted in human civilization, playing a significant role in cultural traditions, folklore, and literary works throughout history. It often possesses an element of allure and intrigue, captivating listeners by captivatingly narrating a captivating story that may not have actually occurred. However, it is important to recognize that there is a distinction between telling tales in a fictional or artistic context and engaging in deceitful practices through misinformation.
The word "telling tales" is derived from Middle English and Old English roots.
The word "tell" can be traced back to the Old English word "tellan", meaning "to recount" or "to narrate". This word was further derived from the Proto-Germanic word "taljan", which meant "to count" or "to reckon".
The term "tales" originated from the Middle English word "tale", which in turn came from Old English "talu", meaning "story", "count", or "speech".
When combined, "telling tales" refers to the act of recounting or narrating stories, often used to convey the idea of storytelling, usually with an element of fabrication or exaggeration.
