Urban Dictionary doesn’t yet have a definition for the specific “word” doodlum and the closest to the “word” I can find is Doodly-squat which has very nearly the meaning I associate with “doodlum” or “doodlum squat” from my memory. Most likely the difference is regional at least if not just a variant in the town where I was a kid.
Just curious if anybody else can attest to the usage(s) of doodlum in their own past.
Does anybody still use that “word”?
I’ve never heard the word.
Thanks. Do any of the Urban Dictionary “synonyms” ring a bell for you?
In our area, it would be more common for me to hear diddly squat. But I cannot say 100% that I’ve never heard doodly squat.
I’m from the lower Appalachian hills which was primarily settled by Scots Irish. Doodlum squat and diddly squat were used quite often then. Some folks there still say it.
“Doodlum” sounds like it would be a laid back leisure suit wearing hoodlum.
My Mom used it a lot. She grew up in central NC and has lived in eastern TN since the late fifties.
Or a graffiti artist - doodle + hoodlum