Diddly Squat

"Diddly squat" means absolutely nothing or next to nothing. It’s used to say there’s hardly any of something, or none at all. While now common nationwide, it carries a strong flavor in Southern and rural speech.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Measurements #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

If they ain't nuthing left, it's 'diddly squat.' Still commonly heard down here.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

If they ain't nuthing left, it's 'diddly squat.' Still commonly heard down here.

Pronunciation

[DID-lee skwaht]

Meaning & Usage

- Nothing at all (noun phrase)

Mae:

Anything good in there?

Earl:

Nothin’ but diddly squat.

- Something worthless or unimportant (figurative noun)

Mae:

That old tractor’s no good?

Earl:

It ain’t worth diddly squat.

★ The phrase is usually playful, not harsh. Saying "diddly squat" adds humor where just "nothing" would sound flat. ★

Origin and Etymology

First recorded in American slang in the mid-1900s, likely as a comic blend of nonsense words. "Squat" has meant "nothing" since the 1800s, and "diddly" adds emphasis. Rural and Southern speakers kept it alive in everyday use.

Usage Notes

Common across the U.S., but especially lively in Southern and Appalachian talk. Still heard today in both casual speech and popular media.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "did-lee squat." Sometimes smoothed to "did-ly squat."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "diddly squat" rude?

Not at all - it’s mild and even funny.

Does it only mean money?

No - it can mean nothing in any context: money, results, value, or effort.

What’s the difference between "diddly" and "squat"?

Both are nonsense terms for "nothing." Put together, they exaggerate the idea of having zero.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 4). Diddly Squat. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/diddly-squat
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Diddly Squat." HillbillySlang.com, 4 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/diddly-squat.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Diddly Squat." HillbillySlang.com. September 4, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/diddly-squat.