Within Spittin’ Distance

In Southern and Appalachian speech, within spitting distance means very close or nearby - near enough that you could almost spit and reach it.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Measurements #Southern #TravelandLocation

synonyms: close by, nearby, a stone’s throw, right down the road

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'within spittin’ distance' all my life - it's a common one down here. I think mostly because most of us can spit real far.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'within spittin’ distance' all my life - it's a common one down here. I think mostly because most of us can spit real far.

Pronunciation

[wi’THIN SPIT-in DIS-tunce]
/wɪðˈɪn ˈspɪtɪn ˈdɪstəns/

Meaning & Usage

- Very close or nearby (phrase)

Earl:

How far’s your house from the creek?

Wanda:

Oh, it’s within spittin’ distance. I can hear the frogs singin’ from the porch.

variations: within spittin’ distance, spittin’ distance

★ If a Southerner says something’s "within spittin’ distance," they mean it’s mighty close - but don’t take it too literal unless you want a mess. ★

Origin and Etymology

The phrase dates back to the early 1800s in rural American English, especially in the South and frontier regions. It likely grew out of folksy exaggeration - comparing short distance to how far a person could spit. Historical examples appear in 19th-century Southern literature and newspapers.

Usage Notes

"Within spitting distance" is widely understood across the United States but carries a distinctly Southern and rustic flavor. The dropped-g form "within spittin’ distance" remains common in spoken Appalachian English. It’s figurative, not literal, and used for both physical and metaphorical nearness.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "within spitting distance" still used today?

Yes - it’s still heard throughout the South and rural America as a colorful way to say "real close."

Where did it come from?

It emerged in early 19th-century Southern and frontier dialects, playing off the image of how far someone could spit.

Is "within spittin’ distance" wrong?

Not at all. That’s the dialect form - more natural in Appalachian or colloquial Southern speech.

Can it describe time as well as space?

Yes. People might say, "We’re within spittin’ distance of quittin’ time," meaning "we’re almost there."

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 5). Within Spitting Distance. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/within-spitting-distance
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Within Spitting Distance." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/within-spitting-distance.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Within Spitting Distance." HillbillySlang.com. November 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/within-spitting-distance.