Teeninecy
In Appalachian and Southern talk, "tee-nine-cy" means very small or tiny - an itty-bitty amount. It’s a playful, stretched-out way of saying "teeny tiny."
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Another one that's in everday talk, 'tee-nine-cy' is for something maybe even smaller'n 'itty bitty.' Hillbilly Dude Says...
Another one that's in everday talk, 'tee-nine-cy' is for something maybe even smaller'n 'itty bitty.' Pronunciation
[tee-NINE-see]
Meaning & Usage
- Very small (adjective)
Mae:
How much sugar you want?
How much sugar you want?
Earl:
Just a tee-nine-cy bit.
Just a tee-nine-cy bit.variations: teenincy, teeninsey, teeny tiny, itty bitty
★ If somebody says "tee-nine-cy," they don’t mean scientific precision - they just mean *small enough to hardly matter.* ★
Origin and Etymology
Likely a playful alteration of "teeny-tiny," exaggerated in Appalachian and Southern speech. The drawn-out middle syllable gives it a rhythm that stuck in oral tradition.
Usage Notes
Still common in mountain and Southern talk, especially among older generations. It’s usually said with humor, when "tiny" feels too plain.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it with a drawl: "tee-NINE-cy." The middle syllable carries the weight, making the word sound longer than the thing it’s describing.