   Quit Dawdlin’In Appalachian and Southern speech, "quit dawdlin’" is a scolding command that means stop wasting time or moving slowly. It’s a folksy way parents, teachers, and grandparents urge kids to hurry up. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #People&Relationships #Southern Hillbilly Dude Says...  If there are kids around, you're bound to hear 'quit dawdlin’.' Pronunciation[KWIT DAW-dlin] Meaning & Usage- A command to stop wasting time (imperative phrase)
Mae:
Ain’t they ready yet?
Earl:
Not yet - I told ’em to quit dawdlin’.other spellings: stop wasting time, quit piddlin’, hurry up, quit dawdlin’ and eat your supper, kids, quit dawdlin’ or we’ll be late, and quit dawdlin’ and do your chores ★ "Quit dawdlin’" is one of those classic Southern/Appalachian scoldings. It works best with kids and kin - often said with equal parts frustration and affection. ★ OriginFrom the verb "dawdle," meaning to move slowly or waste time. In Southern and Appalachian English, the clipped form "dawdlin’" became everyday family talk, and "quit dawdlin’" turned into a stock command. NotesStill widely used in Southern and Appalachian households. Often paired with sayings like get your tail in gear and quit piddlin’. Outside the region, people may recognize it, but it’s less common in daily speech. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "quit dawd-lin." The "g" is dropped: "dawdlin’." | 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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