In Southern and Appalachian speech, a snake feeder is another folk name for a dragonfly - rooted in the old belief that dragonflies feed snakes or hover where snakes are found.
Snake feeder' is one I've only read, not heard. So I'm assuming it's more of a regional, old timers phrase.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Snake feeder' is one I've only read, not heard. So I'm assuming it's more of a regional, old timers phrase.
Pronunciation
[SNAKE-FEE-dur] /ˈsneɪk ˌfiːdɚ/
Meaning & Usage
- A dragonfly (folk name)
Down at the swimming hole
Tommy:
Look at them snake feeders dartin’ over the water.
Ruby:
Grandma says they feed snakes - I think they’re just dragonflies.
variations: snake feeder, snakefeeders
★ Southerners use "snake feeder" alongside "snake doctor" as interchangeable folk names for dragonflies. ★
Origin and Etymology
Documented in Southern and Appalachian folklore and newspapers since at least the late 19th century. People believed dragonflies fed snakes or followed them to water, inspiring the nickname.
Usage Notes
Snake feeder - folk name for a dragonfly found in Southern and Appalachian speech.
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...
Snake feeder' is one I've only read, not heard. So I'm assuming it's more of a regional, old timers phrase. 
