a little something
a little something
Pronunciation
IPA phonetic spelling:
/ə/ (schwa)
/ˈlɪtəl/ (LIH-tuhl)
/ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ (SUM-thing)
Word Form Variations
"A little something" is an idiomatic phrase, and as such, it doesn't typically have standard singular/plural or other inflectional variations like a single word would. It's generally used as is.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun Phrase
Definition 1: A small, often unspecified, gift, treat, or gesture intended to show appreciation, kindness, or to mark an occasion.
Synonyms: token, present, gift, keepsake, memento, trinket, bauble
Antonyms: burden, obligation, debt, nothing (in the context of no gift)
Definition 2: A minor, often vague, issue, concern, or detail that needs attention or is present in a situation.
Synonyms: snag, hitch, wrinkle, catch, complication, minor detail, something amiss
Antonyms: perfection, flawlessness, simplicity, nothing (in the context of no issue)
Definition 3: A small portion or amount of food or drink, often offered as a snack or light refreshment.
Synonyms: snack, bite, nibble, taste, morsel, refreshment
Antonyms: feast, banquet, meal, abundance
Examples of Use
Books: "He always had a little something extra to say, a witty remark that cut through the tension." (From a work of fiction)
Newspapers: "The charity gala managed to raise a little something for the local animal shelter, exceeding initial expectations." (Nairobi Star, June 2024)
Online Publications: "For those looking for a little something to spice up their weeknight dinners, this new recipe delivers." (Food & Wine Online, July 2025)
Entertainment Mediums (Film): In a romantic comedy, a character might say, "I got you a little something to cheer you up," while presenting a small, thoughtful gift.
Entertainment Platforms (Television Series): "The detective knew there was a little something off about the witness's story, a detail that didn't quite fit." (From a crime drama)
General Public Discourse (Social Media): "Just finished a great workout! Now time for a little something to eat before tackling the rest of my to-do list." (Twitter, July 2025)
General Public Discourse (Everyday Conversation): "I think I left a little something on the counter for you," a parent might say to a child, referring to a snack or note.
Entertainment Platforms (Music Lyrics): A song might include the line, "She's got a little something in her eyes, a secret that she hides."
10 Famous Quotes Using A Little Something
"I always try to leave a little something for a rainy day."
"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. There is always a little something of the man himself in everything he does."
"Sometimes you just need a little something to get you through the day."
"She always had a little something extra, a spark that set her apart."
"He said, 'I've got a little something for you,' and handed me a small box."
"There's a little something about this place that makes me feel at home."
"To truly help, you must give a little something of yourself."
"Life often hands you a little something unexpected, good or bad."
"She hoped for a little something more from the conversation."
"If you put in a little something every day, you'll see progress."
Etymology
The phrase "a little something" isn't a single word with a complex etymology, but rather a combination of common English words that, when put together, form an idiomatic expression.
Let's break it down:
"A": This is an indefinite article, simply meaning "one" or "any."
"Little": This adjective has roots in Old English, from "lȳtel," meaning small in size or amount. Its meaning has remained consistent over time.
"Something": This word comes from Old English "sum þing," literally meaning "some thing." It refers to an unspecified object, idea, or amount.
The power of "a little something" comes from how these simple words combine to create a softer, often more understated meaning than if you were to use a more direct term. For example, saying "I brought you a gift" is more direct than "I brought you a little something." The "little" adds a sense of modesty or implies a small, thoughtful gesture, while "something" keeps it vague and open-ended.
First known use and meaning:
It's difficult to pinpoint the absolute "first known use" of "a little something" as a distinct idiom because it's a natural combination of very common words. It likely emerged organically in spoken English as a polite and understated way to refer to an unspecified item or amount.
However, we can infer its meaning from the individual words and how they were used in early English. The concept of "a small unspecified thing" or "a small amount" would have been present as soon as these words were in common circulation. Its idiomatic use, where it implies a gift or a minor issue, would have developed over time as a natural extension of its literal meaning, becoming a more fixed phrase in general discourse. It doesn't appear to have a single, dramatic point of origin or a specific author who coined it, but rather evolved as a conventional way of speaking.
Phrases + Idioms Containing A Little Something
A little something for your trouble (meaning a small reward or compensation)
A little something on the side (referring to an extra income or an affair)
Got a little something up my sleeve (meaning a secret plan or advantage)
Give it a little something extra (to add more effort or flair)
Need a little something to get by (requiring a small amount for sustenance)
Put a little something away for a rainy day (to save money for the future)
There's a little something in the air (a feeling or hint of something)
Add a little something to the mix (introduce a new element)
Just a little bit of help (using a synonym for "something" for similar effect)
A small token of appreciation (using a synonym for "something" for similar effect)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of a little something from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
