Dawdlin’
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Dawdlin’" means wasting time or moving slowly - a regional pronunciation of the older English word "dawdling."
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Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Dawdlin’' is one of those that I remember my Momma sayin' plenty when I was growin' up. Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Dawdlin’' is one of those that I remember my Momma sayin' plenty when I was growin' up. Pronunciation
[DAWD-lin] /ˈdɔdlɪn/
Meaning & Usage
- Wasting time or moving slowly (verb / participle)
Pearl:
We’re gonna be late.
We’re gonna be late.
Jeb:
Quit dawdlin’ and grab your hat.
Quit dawdlin’ and grab your hat.variations: Lollygaggin’, Piddlin’, Foolin’ Around, Dragging Your Feet
★ "Dawdling" originated in 18th-century British English. Southerners kept the term alive with a dropped "g" - "dawdlin’" - alongside other colorful words like "piddlin’" and "lollygaggin’." ★
Origin and Etymology
From British English "dawdle" (to waste time), first recorded in the 1700s. Carried to the American South and Appalachia by settlers and persisted in rural speech.
Usage Notes
Still widely heard in rural Southern/Appalachian speech, often said as "dawdlin’." Outside the region "dawdling" is recognized but considered a bit old-fashioned.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "dawdlin’" - dropping the "g" at the end. Often used in a playful or scolding tone: "Quit dawdlin’ and get in here."