Flat as a Fritter (or Flitter)
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "flat as a fritter" (or "flat as a flitter") means extremely flat-flattened like a fried cake. It’s a colorful simile for anything completely flat or worn out.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I said, 'flat as a flitter' until I was much older. You'll hear both versions out in the country. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I said, 'flat as a flitter' until I was much older. You'll hear both versions out in the country. Pronunciation
[FLAT as uh FRIT-er] /flæt əz ə ˈfrɪtɚ/
[FLAT as uh FLIT-er] /flæt əz ə ˈflɪtɚ/
Meaning & Usage
- Extremely flat (simile/adjective phrase)
Mae:
How’s your spare tire?
How’s your spare tire?
Earl:
Don’t bother-it’s flat as a fritter.
Don’t bother-it’s flat as a fritter.- Completely exhausted or collapsed (figurative)
Mae:
You okay after haulin’ hay all day?
You okay after haulin’ hay all day?
Earl:
I’m flat as a flitter-gonna lay right here.
I’m flat as a flitter-gonna lay right here.variations: flat as a flitter
★ "Fritter" refers to a flat fried cake. "Flitter" is a dialectal variant-both evoke something thin and flattened. Southern and Appalachian speakers preserved the simile, making it a go-to for vivid descriptions. ★
Origin and Etymology
Especially common in the South and South Midland, this term likely comes from 19th-century references to "fritter" as a flat cake, with "flitter" developing as a folk-variant pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Still heard today in rural and older speakers’ talk. Outside the region it may sound quaint but is usually understandable. "Flat as a fritter" is more widely recognized; "flat as a flitter" carries the same meaning with extra dialect flavor.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "fritter" often sounds like "fridder"; "flitter" is a folk variant with the same meaning.
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