Where did the expression “old wives tales” originate from?
For the English novel, see The Old Wives’ Tale. An old wives’ tale or old wives’ saws 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
