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.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You'll hear 'smidgen' down here often, it's an everday word. 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?
Cake too sweet?
Earl:
Could use a smidgen more salt.
Could use a smidgen more salt.- A slight degree (figurative)
Mae:
He nervous?
He nervous?
Earl:
Just a smidgen.
Just a smidgen.variations: smidge, smidgeon, tiny bit, mite, pinch, a smidgen of sugar, he’s a smidgen taller than me, 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 and Etymology
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.
Usage 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."