Cuttin’ Didos
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "cuttin’ didos" (or "cutting didoes") means acting up, showing off, or carrying on foolishly. It’s a colorful old-time expression for antics or clowning around.
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #DialectandGrammar #OldTimers #Southern
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I heard ‘cuttin’ didos’ lots growin' up. But it's more of an old timers thing these days. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I heard ‘cuttin’ didos’ lots growin' up. But it's more of an old timers thing these days. Pronunciation
[KUT-in DIE-doze] or [KUT-in DEE-doze]
Meaning & Usage
- Acting up, clowning around, showing off (verb phrase / idiom)
Mae:
What’s all that racket?
What’s all that racket?
Earl:
Just the young’uns cuttin’ didos.
Just the young’uns cuttin’ didos.variations: cutting didoes, cutting didos,
★ "Cuttin’ didos" is a playful way to describe someone’s antics. It’s a Southern/Appalachian survival of an older English phrase meaning "to caper about." ★
Origin and Etymology
Found in Appalachian dialect collections, the phrase comes from 18th-century English "dido" (a prank or caper) and was carried into American Southern speech, where it flourished as "cutting didoes."
Usage Notes
Still heard in the South and Appalachia, especially among older speakers. Outside the region it’s rare and reads as quaint or archaic.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "cuttin’ die-does" or "cuttin’ dee-does." The "g" in "cutting" is dropped.
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