Art Thieme wrote in another thread:

Lies get a bad rap! I've made a living telling them for many years. Tall tales are outright bold faced lies. They were an exagerational American way of injecting humor and finding that too rare commodity in disasters and hard times. Belittling the often horrendous things that nature often provides, and that our flesh is heir to. Tragedy, being basic to life, is the norm---the normal state of things. Everyone's life is tragic ultimately. It is left to comedy to be comic relief FROM that basic tragedy in life.

On the American frontier, at least, during the 19th century, LIES were often utilized to play down the heavy stuff.

As I did, you too can learn to stop worrying and love lies!!

Tall tales only here! Originals preferred, but stretch the blanket, pull the long bow! I'll give ya one when I get supper finished.