Definition of yarn

The origin of the word "yarn" to refer to a lengthy and often elaborate story or narrative can be traced back to the 16th century. Initially, the term "yarn" was used in a completely different context, to describe a thick and spun fiber made from materials such as wool, cotton, or silk. These fibers were spun into a workable form called a "yarn," which could then be woven into fabrics or knitted into clothes. Over time, the meaning of the word "yarn" began to expand, taking on a new connotation in the English language. By the mid-19th century, "yarn" came to be used as a slang term to refer to a tall tale or a narrative filled with exaggerations and embellishments, similar to a spun story. The exact reason for this shift in meaning is not fully understood, but it's possible that the similarity in sound between "yarn" and words like "yarnsman," which was a slang term for a storyteller at the time, might have contributed to the adoption of "yarn" as a synonym for a tale with embellishments. Regardless of the exact origin, the term "yarn" has since become a firmly entrenched part of the English lexicon, and it continues to be used informally to describe an interesting and sometimes fanciful story or narrative.