Dice
 
 
Next post.
Previous post.

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.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Animals   #PeopleandRelationships   #Nature   #Southern   #BodyandHealth

Pronunciation

[nee hahy tuh uh GRASS-hop-er]

Meaning & Usage

- Very small / very young (phrase)

Family talk
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

Related Pages

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.
...
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...
Slang and folklore change from place to place - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home