Knee High to a Grasshopper

In Appalachian and Southern talk, "knee high to a grasshopper" means very young or very small. It’s a colorful way of saying someone was just a little kid at the time.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard old timers say, 'I've known him since he was knee high to a grasshopper.'

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard old timers say, 'I've known him since he was knee high to a grasshopper.'

Pronunciation

[nee hahy tuh uh GRASS-hop-er]

Meaning & Usage

- Very small / very young (phrase)

Mae:

I’ve watched her grow since she was knee high to a grasshopper.

Earl:

And now she’s taller than both of us.

★ This saying’s not about grasshoppers - it’s about exaggeration. ★

Origin and Etymology

The phrase first appeared in American English in the 1800s and became popular across the South and Midwest. It plays on the contrast between a child’s small size and the even smaller grasshopper. In Appalachia, it’s a common folksy way to mark someone’s early years.

Usage Notes

You’ll hear this phrase when someone’s reminiscing about childhood or bragging on how long they’ve known somebody. It’s usually used affectionately, not literally.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it plain but playful: "nee high tuh a GRASS-hop-er." The charm’s in the rhythm - it rolls off the tongue like a phrase meant for storytelling.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "knee high to a grasshopper" literally mean tiny?

No, it’s figurative - it means very young or very little.

Where is this phrase used?

Across the South, Appalachia, and much of rural America.

Is it still common today?

Yes, especially in storytelling, joking, and reminiscing.

Are there other versions?

Sometimes you’ll hear playful twists like "ankle high to a flea" or "knee high to a toad."

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 6). Knee High to a Grasshopper. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/knee-high-to-a-grasshopper
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Knee High to a Grasshopper." HillbillySlang.com, 6 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/knee-high-to-a-grasshopper.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Knee High to a Grasshopper." HillbillySlang.com. September 6, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/knee-high-to-a-grasshopper.