In Appalachian and Southern speech, a "fairy diddle" is a small woodland critter-most often the Southern flying squirrel, but also sometimes a chipmunk or other tiny, darting animal. The name combines "fairy" for its small, elusive nature and "diddle" for its quick movement.
Sayin' 'fairy diddle' is definitely an old timer and regional thing.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Sayin' 'fairy diddle' is definitely an old timer and regional thing.
Pronunciation
[FAIR-ee DID-dl] /ˈfɛəri ˈdɪdəl/
Meaning & Usage
- A small flying squirrel or chipmunk (noun)
Talking about wildlife
Mae:
What’s that little critter?
Earl:
That’s a fairy diddle-flies from tree to tree at night.
- By extension: a small, quick or sneaky person/animal (noun, figurative)
Teasing a child
Mae:
You’re dartin’ ’round like a fairy diddle.
variations: fairy diddler
★ "Fairy diddle" is one of those mountain names blending folklore and nature. It evokes something tiny, quick, and elusive. Great example of Appalachian wildlife vocabulary. ★
Origin and Etymology
Listed in Appalachian word lists as a regional name for the Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) and sometimes chipmunks. It reflects the region’s tradition of whimsical animal names.
Usage Notes
Still heard today among older speakers and naturalists in Appalachia. Outside the region it’s rarely recognized but is beloved in local folklore and children’s nature lore.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: stress "fairy" lightly and "diddle" quick-sounds playful, almost like a child’s rhyme.
Yes-most often the Southern flying squirrel, though some call chipmunks "fairy diddles" too.
Does it have magical or folk meaning?
The name’s "fairy" part gives it a magical sound, but it’s simply a nickname for a small, quick animal.
Is it endangered?
No-Southern flying squirrels are widespread, but rarely seen because they’re nocturnal.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 4). Fairy Diddle. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/fairy-diddle
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Fairy Diddle." HillbillySlang.com, 4 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/fairy-diddle.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Fairy Diddle." HillbillySlang.com. October 4, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/fairy-diddle.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang 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...
Sayin' 'fairy diddle' is definitely an old timer and regional thing.