Banbury story of a cock and a bull

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun

A roundabout, nonsensical story.

Pronunciation

/ˈbænbɹi ˈstɔːɹi əv ə ˈkɒk ənd ə ˈbʊl/ /ˈbænb(ə)ɹi ˈstɔːɹi əv ə ˈkɑk ənd ə ˈbʊl/ En-au-Banbury story of a cock and a bull.ogg

Word forms

Banbury story of a cock and a bull Banbury stories of a cock and a bull Banbury story Banbury story of a cock and bull

Etymology

Origin unknown. Folk history claims derivation from the rivalry between two inns in Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire, England, one called “The Cock” and the other called “The Bull”, where travellers would congregate to hear fanciful stories told; one such story involved travellers destined for the city of Banbury. However, there is little evidence supporting this etymology.

Synonyms

Banbury tale cock-and-bull story

Related words

shaggy dog story tall tale whopper

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