   Fine as Frog Hair (Split Four Ways)In Appalachian and Southern speech, "fine as frog hair" - sometimes extended to "split four ways" - is a humorous way of saying something is extremely fine, delicate, or excellent. Since frogs don’t have hair, it’s the ultimate exaggeration. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Animals #PeopleandRelationships #Southern Hillbilly Dude Says...  I actually remember the first time - when I was a real young'un - when my Momma said, 'fine as frog hair - split four ways’ growin' up. You don't hear it that often nowadays. Pronunciation[FINE as FROG HAIR (SPLIT FOR WAYS)] Meaning & Usage- Extremely fine, delicate, or excellent (simile / humorous)
Mae:
How’s that biscuit dough?
Earl:
Fine as frog hair - split four ways.other spellings: Fine as frog hair split four ways and sanded, and Finer than frog hair ★ This expression turns the impossible (frog hair) into a measure of fineness or excellence. Adding "split four ways" or "and sanded" makes it even more exaggerated and funny. ★ OriginDocumented in Southern and Appalachian dialect collections and humor columns. It plays off older English similes like "scarce as hen’s teeth" - impossible or absurd comparisons to signal quality or rarity. NotesStill used by older Southerners and in rural humor. Outside the South it’s rare but recognizable as "down-home" talk. Can describe anything from fabric to a meal to someone’s appearance. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "fine as frog hair" or "fine as frog hair split four ways." "Split four ways" is an optional add-on for humor. | Latest Accents About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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