noun
diddly
DIH-duh-lee
Diddly (noun) means informal word for nothing at all, or an amount of no real value. Example: “He knows diddly about fixing cars.”
noun
1
Informal word for nothing at all, or an amount of no real value.
"He knows diddly about fixing cars."
"We got paid diddly for all that overtime."
How to use diddly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to mean "absolutely nothing," usually in a complaining or dismissive tone.
When to use it
Informal, American English.
Common pairings
know diddly about
diddly-squat
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like diddly.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- diddlies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He knows _____ about fixing cars.
Etymology
A shortened form of "diddly-squat."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “diddly” mean?
The word “diddly” means informal word for nothing at all, or an amount of no real value. In plain terms, used to mean "absolutely nothing," usually in a complaining or dismissive tone.
How do you pronounce “diddly”?
“Diddly” is pronounced DIH-duh-lee (/ˈdɪdəli/ in IPA).
How do you use “diddly” in a sentence?
Here is “diddly” used in a sentence: “He knows diddly about fixing cars.”
What part of speech is “diddly”?
“Diddly” is a noun.