In Appalachian and Southern speech, "piddlin’" (sometimes written "piddling") means 1) doing small, unimportant - even ridiculous tasks to seem busy (foolin’ around without much purpose), or 2) something tiny or insignificant, often described as a "piddlin’ amount."
★ When somebody’s "just piddlin’," they might look busy but aren’t really doin’ much. If it’s a "piddlin’ amount," it means hardly worth mentionin’. ★
Origin and Etymology
From older English "piddle," meaning to waste time or do trifling things. The word carried strong into Appalachian and Southern speech, where it remains common in both senses.
Usage Notes
Still widely used in Southern and Appalachian regions. Outside the area, people may understand it in context, but it’s less common in everyday talk.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "pid-lin." The "g" is dropped - always "piddlin’."
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site 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...
When somebody's not doin' much o'nuthin - they 'piddlin’. Common talk out in the country for sure.