little old

alternative little ol' · alternative little ole · alternative li'l' old · alternative li'l' ol' · alternative li'l' ole · alternative li'l old · alternative li'l ol' · alternative li'l ole · alternative lil old · alternative lil ol' · alternative lil ole

1. Southern USUSidiomaticinformalnot comparableEmphatically, affectionately, or humorously little; ordinary or harmless (especially when trying to downplay the importance of something).

   How about a little old game of pool?

   5 more examples

   Well aren't you just a little old sweetheart?

   A: I love your dress! B: What, this little old thing?

   You brought the best little old news you'll ever tote. Secretario, if you never promulgate worse news than that, you'll boost your circulation a thousand a day.

   1909, Rowland Thomas, The Little Gods, page 280

   They found afterward to their regret that he was the finest little old poker player that ever struck the village and he carried away a suitcase of yellow-backed bills.

   1915 August 14, Roy K. Moulton, “On the Spur of the Moment: Appearances”, in The Day (New London), page 9

   [Pogo:] I'm takin' care of this li'l' ol' backward child.

   1949 May 16, Walt Kelly, Pogo (comic strip)

2. not comparableUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see little, old.

   This joke is getting a little old.