Hillbilly Slang

Authentic sayings, folk stories, and mountain wisdom.

doodle

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "doodle" most often means a baby chicken or chick. It’s also used as a playful nickname for children, and in wider English, it means a simple drawing or scribble.

#Appalachia   #Animals   #Southern

Pronunciation

[DOO-d’l]

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Meaning & Usage

- Baby chicken, chick (noun)

On the farm
Mae:
Best get them doodles up ‘fore sundown.

Earl:
They’ll roost under the porch if you don’t.

- Playful nickname (noun)

Talking about a child
Mae:
C’mere, little doodle.

Earl:
She’s into everything today.

- Simple drawing or scribble (noun/verb)

At school
Mae:
Quit doodlin’ and finish your lessons.

Earl:
Can’t help it, hand just draws.

other spellings: chick, baby chicken, nickname for child, sketch, scribble, doodlebug (related nickname), peep, and biddy
★ "Doodle" is a flexible word. In Appalachian talk it’s mostly for chicks or children, but in wider English it’s also a casual sketch. ★

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