intj. (American).—A useful interjection, for listeners who feel that some remark is expected; equivalent to the English Really? and Indeed? A similar phrase in the South is the old English, You don’t say so? which a Yankee will vary by, I want to know! DO TELL is also used with inexperienced Munchausens who by its means may often be lured to repeat themselves.
1824. R. B. PEAKE, Americans Abroad, Act I., Sc. ii. Mrs. L. But when they order nothing at all— Dou: What then, DU PRAY TELL?
1854. Notes and Queries, 1 S., x., p. 84. R. Does Jeremiur behave well now? S. No, he’s very ugly. He tried to burn the barn. R. DO TELL!
1871. DE VERE, Americanisms, p. 598, s.v.
