smidgen

In Appalachian and Southern speech, a "smidgen" means a very small amount. It’s a kitchen word for a tiny measure, often used in cooking or everyday talk.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Measurements #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

You'll hear 'smidgen' down here often, it's an everday word.

Pronunciation

[SMIJ-en]

Meaning & Usage

- A very small amount (noun)

Mae:

Cake too sweet?

Earl:

Could use a smidgen more salt.

- A slight degree (figurative)

Mae:

He nervous?

Earl:

Just a smidgen.

other spellings: smidge, smidgeon, tiny bit, mite, pinch, a smidgen of sugar, he’s a smidgen taller than me, and add just a smidgen of spice

★ "Smidgen" is one of those words that means "so little you can’t measure it." In country kitchens, it’s right at home beside "mite," "touch," and "pinch." ★

Origin

Probably from the Scots word *smitch* (a small amount or spot). It entered American English in the 1800s and became especially common in Southern and Appalachian speech.

Notes

Used nationally, but especially common in Southern and Appalachian kitchens. Variants include *smidge* and *smidgeon.* Closely related to other country measurements like mite, touch, and pinch.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "smidgen." Sometimes stretched in country talk: "smidgeon."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "smidgen" the same as "smidge"?

Yes - "smidge" is just the shorter form.

Do Southerners say "smidgen" more than others?

It’s common everywhere, but the longer "smidgeon" form shows up especially in Southern/Appalachian kitchens.

How much is a smidgen?

Not exact - it just means a tiny bit, smaller than a pinch.