Dice
 
 
 
 
 
Next post.
Previous post.

Doodle

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "doodle" most often means a baby chicken or chick. It’s also used as a playful nickname for children, and in wider English, it means a simple drawing or scribble.

#SouthernWords   #Appalachia   #Animals   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
Granny always used 'doodles' instead of 'chicks'. I still do it because I like it, but I haven't heard it in years. Still could be an old timers thing. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Granny always used 'doodles' instead of 'chicks'. I still do it because I like it, but I haven't heard it in years. Still could be an old timers thing. 

Pronunciation

[DOO-d’l]

Meaning & Usage

- Baby chicken, chick (noun)

Mae:
Best get them doodles up ‘fore sundown.
Earl:
They’ll roost under the porch if you don’t.

- Playful nickname (noun)

Mae:
C’mere, little doodle.
Earl:
She’s into everything today.

- Simple drawing or scribble (noun/verb)

Mae:
Quit doodlin’ and finish your lessons.
Earl:
Can’t help it, hand just draws.
variations: chick, baby chicken, nickname for child, sketch, scribble, doodlebug (related nickname), peep, biddy
★ "Doodle" is a flexible word. In Appalachian talk it’s mostly for chicks or children, but in wider English it’s also a casual sketch. ★

Origin and Etymology

From older English and German roots: "dodel" (simpleton) and "dudeln" (to play simple music). By the 1600s, "doodle" meant silly or simple things. Appalachia carried "doodle" into farm life for chicks, while the broader English world used it for scribbles.

Usage Notes

Still used across Appalachia and the South for chickens and nicknames. The "drawing" sense is nationwide, but shows up here too, especially in school talk.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it light: "doodle." Often said in the plural for chicks - "doodles."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Does "doodle" always mean chick?
On the farm, yes. But it can also mean a nickname for a child, or a simple sketch.
Is "doodle" Appalachian-only?
No - the chick sense is farm/Appalachian, but the drawing sense is everywhere.
Do people still use "doodle" today?
Yes, both on farms and in everyday English.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 25). Doodle. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/doodle
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Doodle." HillbillySlang.com, 25 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/doodle.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Doodle." HillbillySlang.com. August 25, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/doodle.
advertisement...
Most Popular
Latest Accents
Latest Sayings
Latest Words
About
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
Slang, folklore, culture, and accent vary from place to place, even ridge to ridge - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use • Privacy Policy
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home