What is another word for shaggy dog story?
Pronunciation: [ʃˈaɡi dˈɒɡ stˈɔːɹɪ] (IPA) 
A shaggy dog story is a long, drawn-out tale that is often humorous but ultimately leads to a disappointing or absurd conclusion. There are several synonyms for this phrase that express a similar sentiment. For example, a tall tale is a story that is exaggerated or embellished for comedic effect. Another synonym is a yarn, which is a narrative that is often spun out of thin air and can also be long-winded. If a story is meandering and doesn't seem to have a point, it might be referred to as a ramble. Finally, a shaggy dog story can also be described as a snipe hunt, which is a prank that tricks someone into searching for something that doesn't exist.
