An old wives' tale is a type of urban legend, similar to a proverb, which is generally passed down by old wives to a younger generation. Such "tales" usually consist of superstition, folklore or unverified claims with exaggerated and/or untrue details. Today old wives' tales are still common among children in school playgrounds. Old wives' tales often concern pregnancy, puberty and nutrition.
Famous quotes containing the word tale:
“—I tell the tale that I heard told.
Mithridates, he died old.”
—A.E. (Alfred Edward)
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