General
porky pies
What does porky pies mean?
Lies or untruths. 'Porky pies' rhymes with 'lies' and clips to 'porkies'.
"Don't tell me porkies, I know exactly where you were."
Origin
East End London rhyming slang, where 'porky pies' (pork pies) rhymes with 'lies'. It became one of the most widely understood Cockney terms across Britain.
Frequently asked questions
What does porky pies mean?
It's Cockney rhyming slang for lies. 'Pies' rhymes with 'lies', and it shortens to 'porkies'.
What does 'telling porkies' mean?
It means telling lies or fibs. It's a soft, almost playful way to accuse someone of lying.
Is calling something a porky an insult?
It's mild — calling out a 'porky' is more teasing than serious, often used for small fibs or exaggerations.
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