General
diddly-squat
What does diddly-squat mean?
Absolutely nothing; the least amount. Often "don't know diddly-squat."
"He doesn't know diddly-squat about fixing cars."
Origin
American slang, mid-1900s; a reduplicative emphatic for "nothing."
Frequently asked questions
What does "diddly-squat" mean?
It means nothing at all, or the smallest possible amount—as in "that's not worth diddly-squat."
How do you use it?
Usually with a negative for emphasis, e.g. "He doesn't know diddly-squat." It can be shortened to just "diddly" or "squat."
Is it rude?
No, it's mild and informal—more folksy and emphatic than offensive.
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