lick

In Appalachian and Southern speech, a "lick" means the smallest bit or trace of something. It’s often used in negatives like "not a lick of sense" or "not a lick of work."

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Measurements #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I'd say this one is most often used when somebody says, '''at boy ain't got a lick of sense.'

Pronunciation

[LIK]

Meaning & Usage

- A very small amount (noun, often negative)

Mae:

Did he help with the hayin’?

Earl:

Nope - not a lick.

- A trace of ability or sense (figurative)

Mae:

That boy ain’t got a lick of sense.

★ "Lick" as a measure almost always shows up in the negative: *"not a lick of work"* or *"not a lick of help."* It’s a sharper way of saying "none at all." ★

Origin

From the verb "lick" (to strike or hit), which broadened in American slang to mean "a bit" or "an amount." In Southern and Appalachian dialects, it took root as a folksy unit of measure, especially in negative phrases.

Notes

Still very common in the South and Appalachia. Recognized elsewhere, but it rings strongly rural and folksy outside the region. Related to other country measurements like mite and hair.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "lick."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "not a lick" always mean none?

Yes - it means not even the smallest amount.

Is it only Southern?

Strongest in Southern and Appalachian speech, but understood elsewhere.

Do people still say it today?

Yes - often in family talk, farming, and storytelling.