Knee High to a GrasshopperIn 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. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Animals #PeopleandRelationships #Nature #Southern #BodyandHealth Hillbilly Dude Says... Hillbilly Dude Says... Pronunciation[nee hahy tuh uh GRASS-hop-er] Meaning & Usage- Very small / very young (phrase)
Mae:
Earl:
★ This saying’s not about grasshoppers - it’s about exaggeration. ★ Origin and EtymologyThe 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 NotesYou’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 SouthernerSay 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. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |