Mite
In Appalachian and Southern speech, a "mite" means a small amount. It’s a folksy measurement word, often used in cooking or describing how someone feels.
#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Measurements #OldTimers #Southern
Hillbilly Dude Says...
This is not one I heard much growin' up, so I'm assumin' 'mite' is mostly old timers. Hillbilly Dude Says...
This is not one I heard much growin' up, so I'm assumin' 'mite' is mostly old timers. Pronunciation
[MAHT]
Meaning & Usage
- A small amount (noun, informal)
Mae:
Cake too dry?
Cake too dry?
Earl:
Needs a mite more milk.
Needs a mite more milk.- A little bit; slightly (adverbial use)
Mae:
Cold this mornin’.
Cold this mornin’.
Earl:
Yep, it’s a mite frosty.
Yep, it’s a mite frosty.variations: smidge, tad, touch, pinch, a mite more sugar, feelin’ a mite poorly, it’s a mite chilly out
★ A "mite" is about as unscientific as it gets - it could be a teaspoon or just a hint. Folks use it for cooking, weather, and how they’re feeling: *"a mite poorly."* ★
Origin and Etymology
From Old English *mīte* (a very small coin or tiny creature). In rural American speech, especially Southern and Appalachian, it shifted into meaning "a very small amount."
Usage Notes
Still used in Appalachia and the South, though less common elsewhere. Outside the region, people may know it from old stories or literature but don’t use it daily. Closely related to touch, tad, and smidge.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "mite."