teeninecy

In Appalachian and Southern talk, "tee-nine-cy" means very small or tiny - an itty-bitty amount. It’s a playful, stretched-out way of saying "teeny tiny."

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Measurements #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Another one that's in everday talk, 'tee-nine-cy' is for something maybe even smaller'n 'itty bitty.'

Pronunciation

[tee-NINE-see]

Meaning & Usage

- Very small (adjective)

Mae:

How much sugar you want?

Earl:

Just a tee-nine-cy bit.

other spellings: teenincy, teeninsey, teeny tiny, and itty bitty

★ If somebody says "tee-nine-cy," they don’t mean scientific precision - they just mean *small enough to hardly matter.* ★

Origin

Likely a playful alteration of "teeny-tiny," exaggerated in Appalachian and Southern speech. The drawn-out middle syllable gives it a rhythm that stuck in oral tradition.

Notes

Still common in mountain and Southern talk, especially among older generations. It’s usually said with humor, when "tiny" feels too plain.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it with a drawl: "tee-NINE-cy." The middle syllable carries the weight, making the word sound longer than the thing it’s describing.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "tee-nine-cy" mean the same as "teeny tiny"?

Yes - it’s a local twist with the same meaning: very small.

How do you spell "tee-nine-cy"?

There’s no single spelling - tee-nine-cy, teenincy, teeninsey all show up, since it’s mostly a spoken word.

Do younger folks still use it?

Sometimes - mostly when imitating older relatives or for fun.

Is it unique to Appalachia?

It’s strongest in Appalachian and Southern English, though similar playful forms pop up elsewhere in rural speech.