Flittin’ means moving lightly or restlessly - darting, bustling, or flitting from place to place. The base word flitting is old English, but the dropped-g form flittin’ lives on in Southern and Appalachian speech.
You'll heard people say 'flittin’ around' if you're out in the country, it's pretty common.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You'll heard people say 'flittin’ around' if you're out in the country, it's pretty common.
Pronunciation
[FLIT-in] /ˈflɪtɪn/
Meaning & Usage
- Darting About / Moving Lightly (verb)
Quick, light movement
Mamaw:
That wren’s been flittin’ ’round the porch all mornin’.
Papaw:
Reckon she’s huntin’ a spot for her nest.
- Busy Fussing / Bustling (verb)
Restless, unfocused activity
Elmer:
She’s been flittin’ through that kitchen since sunup.
Estel:
Set a spell, honey - dinner’s near ’bout done.
★ The dialect flavor comes from the pronunciation and the dropped g: write it as flittin’ in dialogue; use the base form flitting for headers, slugs, and SEO. ★
Origin and Etymology
From older English flit/flitting "to move lightly." The lively, everyday sense stuck in Appalachian and Southern communities, where it’s common in storytelling and conversation.
Usage Notes
Often paired with adverbs like "’round" and time markers: "flittin’ ’round here all evenin’." It can be affectionate or mildly scolding, depending on tone.
Yes - "flittin’" is the Southern/Appalachian pronunciation and spelling used in casual speech and writing.
Is it still used today?
Yes, especially among older speakers and in rural areas, but it’s widely understood across the South.
Can it describe people and animals?
Sure - birds, bugs, kids, or anyone bustling around without settling.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 7). Flitting. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/flitting
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Flitting." HillbillySlang.com, 7 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/flitting.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Flitting." HillbillySlang.com. October 7, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/flitting.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
You'll heard people say 'flittin’ around' if you're out in the country, it's pretty common. 
