Fit as a Fiddle
Fit as a fiddle means healthy, energetic, and in good physical condition.
Although the phrase is common in the South today, it did not originate in Southern or Appalachian speech. Its roots lie in older British English.
synonyms: healthy, spry, full of energy, in fine shape, rarin’ to go
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You'd think with 'fiddle' in it, 'fit as a fiddle' would be pure south. Hillbilly Dude Says...
You'd think with 'fiddle' in it, 'fit as a fiddle' would be pure south. Pronunciation
[FIT az uh FID-uhl]
/fɪt æz ə ˈfɪd.əl/
/fɪt æz ə ˈfɪd.əl/
Meaning & Usage
- In excellent health
Lila:
How’s your grandpa doin’?
How’s your grandpa doin’?
Mark:
Fit as a fiddle. Out workin’ in the yard again.
Fit as a fiddle. Out workin’ in the yard again.- Full of energy or vigor
Chloe:
Y’all tired?
Y’all tired?
Tate:
Nope, fit as a fiddle and ready for supper.
Nope, fit as a fiddle and ready for supper.variations: fit as a fiddle, fit ‘n’ fiddle, fit as a fiddle and ready to play
★ If you add "and ready to play," folks’ll hear a little extra twang in the old British fiddle metaphor, even though the phrase wasn’t Southern to start with. ★
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 24). Fit as a Fiddle. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/fit-as-a-fiddle
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Fit as a Fiddle." HillbillySlang.com, 24 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/fit-as-a-fiddle.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Fit as a Fiddle." HillbillySlang.com. November 24, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/fit-as-a-fiddle.
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