What does smidgen mean?
A smidgen means a small amount of something. The word is informal and is especially common in British and Australian English, where it can make a modest quantity sound more deliberate or noticeable. People use it in phrases such as “a smidgen of evidence,” “a smidgen of hope,” and “not a smidgen,” often when describing a tiny but potentially meaningful contribution. Its slight vagueness allows it to cover amounts that are hard to measure precisely, from a pinch of salt to a trace of doubt. In conversation, the term may sound warm, understated, or mildly ironic. It is particularly useful when the amount is too small to count or specify exactly but is not quite nothing. Although “smidge” is closely related, “smidgen” is generally the more familiar and established choice in many varieties of English.
nounA small amount of something. The word is informal and often used to emphasize that the amount is very small, though not necessarily negligible.
- A small or very small amount of something.
"She added a smidgen of flour to the sauce."
"There was a smidgen of uncertainty in her voice."
"He made a smidgen of progress before the deadline."
The plural is used when referring to separate small amounts or instances.
"He added a few smidgens of spice to the stew."
A smidgen is a tiny amount, but a familiar word can make a small helping sound surprisingly substantial.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does smidgen come from?
The origin of “smidgen” is not securely established. It appears to be closely related to “smidge,” another term for a very small quantity, and its limited sense developed from the idea of a tiny fragment or trace.
How smidgen is actually used
Informal and especially common in British and Australian English. It can sound conversational, gentle, or mildly ironic, and is often used when the amount is noticeable but small.
Easily confused with smidgen
A smidge is an even smaller or more marginal amount than a smidgen, though the two words are closely related in meaning and use.