   That Don’t Mean Diddly SquatIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "that don’t mean diddly squat" is a way of saying something is unimportant or has no real value. It’s used to dismiss fussing, excuses, or things that don’t make a difference. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #People&Relationships #Southern Hillbilly Dude Says...  If you say something that makes no difference, people down here still say, 'that don’t mean diddly squat.' Pronunciation[THAT dohnt meen DID-lee skwaht] Meaning & Usage- To dismiss something as unimportant (verb phrase)
Mae:
Forecast says a chance of rain.
Earl:
That don’t mean diddly squat if the creek’s already dry.- To say something carries no value (figurative)
Mae:
We had more yards than they did.
Earl:
That don’t mean diddly squat - we still lost.other spellings: that don’t mean nothing, don’t mean a lick, ain’t worth a thing, doesn’t matter, that don’t mean diddly squat in the long run, it don’t mean diddly squat to me, and all that don’t mean diddly squat ★ This phrase adds punch to a dismissal. Instead of just saying "it doesn’t matter," "don’t mean diddly squat" makes it more vivid and down-home. ★ OriginRooted in the slang "diddly squat" (meaning nothing), combined with the Southern/American way of dismissing importance using "don’t mean." It became a folksy formula for brushing things off. NotesStill common in Southern and Appalachian speech. Recognized across the U.S., often used jokingly or in storytelling. Related forms include "ain’t worth diddly squat" and "ain’t got diddly squat." Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "that don’t mean did-lee squat." Often quick and clipped: "don’ mean did-ly squat." | 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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