etymology - Where did the phrase "diddly-squat" come from?


It sounds like something Ned Flanders would say.


I believe it just means "nothing at all". But what are the origins of the phrase? Is it common in the US as well as the UK?



Answer



The following is what I've found on the net about this phrase:



The Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang lists the original form as "Doodly-squat," dating from 1934. No clue given as to the origin. Doodle means, variously, a fool, a Union soldier, a penis, to cheat, and to copulate. The dic does not list a usage for "doodly-shit" until 1966.


The dic lists "diddly-squat" as a euphemism for "diddly-shit," which does not appear until 1964 (1963 for diddly-squat).


It is difficult to draw a conclusion from all this, except I doubt it has anything to do with squatting in a dwelling.


Dave Wilton, posting in alt.usage.english



I have also found an interesting story about the etymology of the phrase.


(Editorial note: The copied story has been removed because of questionable copyright use. Also, the linked story is a joke and not a true etymology of the phrase.)


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