little old

idiom informal

The phrase "little old" is often used in American English to emphasize modesty or insignificance, particularly in a self-deprecating or humorous manner.

🇺🇸 US Voice:

🇬🇧 UK Voice:

Definition

B2Informal speech

(idiomatic, self-deprecating)Used to emphasize modesty, insignificance, or harmlessness, often humorously.

Example

You think little old me could have done something so grand?
Why would anyone be jealous of little old you?

B1General

(descriptive)Describes something or someone as small in size and elderly.

Example

She lives in a little old house at the end of the street.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "little old":

any old some old old lady old woman old girl old man old wife old folks old timer old gentleman ye olde old fellow little lady olde worlde little woman ould fella old school old hat little one old chap old ale good old boy old soul older adult little man little guy