Flat as a Fritter (or Flitter)

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "flat as a fritter" (or "flat as a flitter") means extremely flat-flattened like a fried cake. It’s a colorful simile for anything completely flat or worn out.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

I said, 'flat as a flitter' until I was much older. You'll hear both versions out in the country.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I said, 'flat as a flitter' until I was much older. You'll hear both versions out in the country.

Pronunciation

[FLAT as uh FRIT-er]
/flæt əz ə ˈfrɪtɚ/ [FLAT as uh FLIT-er]
/flæt əz ə ˈflɪtɚ/

Meaning & Usage

- Extremely flat (simile/adjective phrase)

Mae:

How’s your spare tire?

Earl:

Don’t bother-it’s flat as a fritter.

- Completely exhausted or collapsed (figurative)

Mae:

You okay after haulin’ hay all day?

Earl:

I’m flat as a flitter-gonna lay right here.

variations: flat as a flitter

★ "Fritter" refers to a flat fried cake. "Flitter" is a dialectal variant-both evoke something thin and flattened. Southern and Appalachian speakers preserved the simile, making it a go-to for vivid descriptions. ★

Origin and Etymology

Especially common in the South and South Midland, this term likely comes from 19th-century references to "fritter" as a flat cake, with "flitter" developing as a folk-variant pronunciation.

Usage Notes

Still heard today in rural and older speakers’ talk. Outside the region it may sound quaint but is usually understandable. "Flat as a fritter" is more widely recognized; "flat as a flitter" carries the same meaning with extra dialect flavor.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "fritter" often sounds like "fridder"; "flitter" is a folk variant with the same meaning.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Which is correct-"fritter" or "flitter"?

Both are used regionally. "Fritter" is more common and documented; "flitter" is a folk-variant.

Does it only describe objects?

No-people can be "flat as a fritter" too, meaning exhausted or lying flat.

Is it still in use?

Yes-still heard in Southern/Appalachian speech, especially among older generations or in humorous storytelling.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 20). Flat as a Fritter (or Flitter). HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/flat-as-a-fritter
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Flat as a Fritter (or Flitter)." HillbillySlang.com, 20 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/flat-as-a-fritter.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Flat as a Fritter (or Flitter)." HillbillySlang.com. September 20, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/flat-as-a-fritter.