Top 39 Slang For Few – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to slang, keeping up with the latest terms can be a challenge, especially when it comes to slang for few. But fear not, our team is here to break it down for you. From trendy phrases to popular expressions, we’ve got you covered with a curated list that will keep you in the know and ahead of the game. So sit back, relax, and get ready to upgrade your vocabulary with our top picks for slang for few.

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1. Handful

This term refers to a small quantity or group of something. It is often used to describe a number that can be counted on one hand.

For example, “I only have a handful of friends that I trust.”
In a discussion about a limited number of options, someone might say, “We only have a handful of choices to consider.”
A person describing a challenging task might say, “Dealing with toddlers can be a handful.”

2. Couple

This slang term refers to a few or a small number of something. It is often used to describe a pair or a couple of items or people.

For instance, “I bought a couple of books at the bookstore.”
In a conversation about a small gathering, someone might say, “We’re just having a couple of friends over for dinner.”
A person might mention, “I need to grab a couple of things from the grocery store.”

3. Smattering

This term refers to a small or scattered amount of something. It is often used to describe a limited or incomplete knowledge or understanding of a particular subject.

For example, “I only have a smattering of knowledge about classical music.”
In a discussion about language skills, someone might say, “I have a smattering of French, but I’m not fluent.”
A person might mention, “I have a smattering of experience with coding, but I’m still learning.”

4. Scant

This term describes something that is in short supply or inadequate. It suggests that the quantity or amount is barely enough or not enough at all.

For instance, “We have a scant amount of time to finish the project.”
In a conversation about available resources, someone might say, “We have a scant budget for this event.”
A person might mention, “The store had a scant selection of shoes in my size.”

5. Scanty

This term describes something that is sparse, meager, or lacking in quantity. It suggests that there is not enough or that the amount is insufficient.

For example, “The garden had a scanty harvest this year.”
In a discussion about clothing options, someone might say, “I packed scanty outfits for my beach vacation.”
A person might mention, “The restaurant served a scanty portion of food for the price.”

6. Scattering

Refers to something that is spread out or dispersed in small quantities.

For example, “There was only a scattering of people at the event.”
In a discussion about resources, one might say, “We only have a scattering of supplies left.”
A person describing a sparse crowd might comment, “There was just a scattering of people in the stadium.”

7. Scarcely

Indicates a very small or limited amount of something.

For instance, “There were scarcely any tickets left for the concert.”
A person describing a nearly empty room might say, “There were scarcely any furnishings in the house.”
In a discussion about available options, one might comment, “There are scarcely any choices left.”

8. Meager

Refers to something that is deficient or inadequate in amount or substance.

For example, “They could only afford a meager meal.”
A person describing a small salary might say, “I earn a meager income.”
In a discussion about resources, one might comment, “We have a meager supply of food.”

9. Sparse

Describes something that is thinly spread out or not densely populated.

For instance, “The trees in the desert were sparse.”
A person describing a sparsely decorated room might say, “There were only a few pieces of furniture.”
In a discussion about population, one might comment, “The town has a sparse population.”

10. Modicum

Refers to a small or moderate quantity or degree of something.

For example, “He showed a modicum of interest in the topic.”
A person discussing available options might say, “We have a modicum of choices.”
In a discussion about success, one might comment, “She achieved a modicum of fame.”

11. Paucity

Paucity refers to a small or insufficient amount of something. It is often used to describe a scarcity or shortage of resources.

For example, “There is a paucity of clean drinking water in the rural areas.”
In a discussion about job opportunities, someone might say, “There is a paucity of employment options in this town.”
A news article might highlight, “The paucity of affordable housing is a major issue in the city.”

12. Dearth

Dearth is another word that means a scarcity or shortage of something. It signifies a lack or insufficiency of a particular resource.

For instance, “There is a dearth of fresh produce in this neighborhood.”
In a conversation about educational opportunities, someone might mention, “There is a dearth of quality schools in this district.”
A writer might note, “The dearth of reliable sources makes it difficult to write an accurate report.”

13. Scarcity

Scarcity refers to a situation where a resource is limited or not readily available. It implies a lack or insufficiency of something.

For example, “There is a scarcity of affordable housing in this city.”
In a discussion about natural resources, someone might say, “The scarcity of clean water is a global concern.”
An economist might analyze, “Scarcity drives up the price of rare commodities.”

14. Limited

Limited means something that is restricted or confined within certain boundaries. It suggests a lack of abundance or a constraint on availability.

For instance, “There is a limited supply of tickets for the concert.”
In a conversation about travel options, someone might mention, “There are limited flights to that destination.”
A product review might state, “The limited edition sneakers are highly sought after.”

15. Paltry

Paltry refers to something that is small or insignificant in amount. It conveys the idea of a meager or inadequate quantity.

For example, “He received a paltry sum for his hard work.”
In a discussion about salary, someone might say, “I was offered a paltry raise.”
A food critic might write, “The portion size was paltry compared to the price.”

16. Slight

When something is described as “slight,” it means that there is only a small amount or number of it.

For example, “There was only a slight chance of rain today.”
In a conversation about available seating, someone might say, “We have a slight problem – there are only a few chairs left.”
A person discussing a low attendance at an event might say, “The turnout was quite slight.”

17. Few and far between

When something is described as “few and far between,” it means that it is very rare or infrequent.

For instance, “Finding a good parking spot in this area is few and far between.”
In a discussion about job opportunities, someone might say, “In this industry, promotions are few and far between.”
A person discussing finding quality vintage clothing might note, “Gems like this dress are few and far between.”

18. Not many

When something is described as “not many,” it means that there is only a small quantity or number of it.

For example, “There are not many tickets left for the concert.”
In a conversation about available options, someone might say, “There are not many choices for dinner tonight.”
A person discussing a low turnout at an event might say, “Unfortunately, there were not many attendees.”

19. A handful of

When something is described as “a handful of,” it means that there is a small number or quantity of it.

For instance, “There are only a handful of tickets remaining for the show.”
In a discussion about available resources, someone might say, “We have a handful of laptops available for use.”
A person discussing a small group of friends might note, “I have a handful of close friends that I can rely on.”

20. A smidgen

When something is described as “a smidgen,” it means that there is a very small amount of it.

For example, “Add just a smidgen of salt to the recipe.”
In a conversation about measurements, someone might say, “Use a smidgen of oil to grease the pan.”
A person discussing a small taste of food might note, “I just had a smidgen of the cake, but it was delicious.”

21. A tad

This phrase is used to describe a small or insignificant quantity of something. It is often used to emphasize that the amount is not significant or substantial.

For example, “I only need a tad bit of sugar for my coffee.”
Someone might say, “The movie was good, but it was a tad too long.”
A person might comment, “I’m feeling a tad tired today.”

22. A sprinkle

This phrase is used to describe a small quantity or number of something. It is often used to convey that the amount is not substantial or significant.

For instance, “Add a sprinkle of salt to the dish for added flavor.”
Someone might say, “There were only a sprinkle of people at the party.”
A person might comment, “I have a sprinkle of friends who share my interests.”

23. A trickle

This phrase is used to describe a slow or gradual flow or a small amount of something. It is often used to convey that the flow or amount is minimal or not substantial.

For example, “Water was only coming out of the faucet in a trickle.”
Someone might say, “Sales have been just a trickle this month.”
A person might comment, “Information about the new product is only trickling in.”

24. A dash

This phrase is used to describe a small or minimal amount or quantity of something. It is often used to convey that the amount is not significant or substantial.

For instance, “Add a dash of cinnamon to the recipe for a hint of flavor.”
Someone might say, “I only have a dash of patience left.”
A person might comment, “The meeting lasted just a dash over an hour.”

25. A pinch

This phrase is used to describe a small or minimal amount or quantity of something. It is often used to convey that the amount is not significant or substantial.

For example, “Add a pinch of salt to the soup for some extra flavor.”
Someone might say, “I only have a pinch of time to finish this task.”
A person might comment, “The room was only a pinch larger than a closet.”

26. A drop

This phrase is often used to describe a small or insignificant amount of something.

For example, “Add just a drop of vanilla extract to the batter.”
In a conversation about rainfall, someone might say, “We only got a drop of rain yesterday.”
A person might say, “I have a drop of milk left in the carton, do you want it?”

27. A speck

This term is used to describe an extremely small or negligible amount of something.

For instance, “There’s not a speck of dust in this room.”
In a discussion about cleaning, someone might say, “I just need to wipe off this speck of dirt.”
A person might exclaim, “I don’t want a speck of sugar in my coffee!”

28. A fragment

This word is often used to refer to a small or incomplete piece of something larger.

For example, “I found a fragment of a shell on the beach.”
In a conversation about a broken vase, someone might say, “I managed to glue together a few fragments.”
A person might ask, “Do you have any fragments of information about the incident?”

29. A trifle

This term is used to describe a small or unimportant amount of something.

For instance, “I only need a trifle of sugar in my tea.”
In a discussion about expenses, someone might say, “The cost is just a trifle compared to the overall budget.”
A person might comment, “I have a trifle of spare change in my pocket.”

30. A touch

This phrase is often used to describe a small or gentle amount of something.

For example, “Add a touch of cinnamon to the recipe.”
In a conversation about temperature, someone might say, “It’s a touch cooler today.”
A person might suggest, “Just a touch of salt will enhance the flavor of the dish.”

31. A hint

This phrase is used to indicate a small quantity or a subtle suggestion. It is often used in casual conversations or when talking about small actions or details.

For example, “I just need a hint of sugar in my coffee.”
A person might say, “I gave her a hint about the surprise party.”
Another might ask, “Can you give me a hint about the answer to this riddle?”

32. A bit

This phrase is commonly used to refer to a small quantity or portion of something. It is a versatile slang term that can be used in various contexts.

For instance, “I’ll have a bit of cake, please.”
Someone might say, “I’ll be there in a bit,” meaning they will arrive shortly.
Another might comment, “I only need a bit more money to buy that book.”

33. A fraction

This term is used to describe a small fraction or part of something. It is often used in conversations about quantities or proportions.

For example, “I only ate a fraction of the pizza.”
A person might say, “I’ve read only a fraction of the book.”
Another might comment, “She only gave me a fraction of the information I needed.”

34. A modicum

This term refers to a small or moderate amount of something. It is often used to emphasize the scarcity or limited nature of the quantity.

For instance, “I have a modicum of patience left.”
Someone might say, “He showed a modicum of interest in the topic.”
Another might comment, “We only have a modicum of time to finish the project.”

35. A morsel

This term is used to describe a small piece or portion of something, usually food. It is often used in conversations about snacks or small bites.

For example, “I’ll have a morsel of cake.”
A person might say, “I only had a morsel of the appetizer.”
Another might comment, “She offered me a morsel of the pie.”

36. A couple

This phrase is used to refer to a small number or quantity, usually two. It can be used to describe a couple of people, objects, or actions.

For example, “I have a couple of tickets to the concert.”
A person might say, “I’ll be there in a couple of minutes.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might mention, “We’ve been together for a couple of years now.”

37. Scarceness

This term refers to a lack or insufficiency of something. It implies that there is not enough of a particular item or resource.

For instance, “There is a scarceness of affordable housing in the city.”
In a conversation about food availability, someone might say, “The scarceness of fresh produce is a concern.”
A person discussing job opportunities might mention, “The current economic situation has led to a scarceness of employment options.”

38. A few

This phrase is used to describe a small number or quantity, typically more than two but not many. It suggests a limited amount or a small group.

For example, “I have a few books on my shelf.”
In a discussion about travel plans, someone might say, “I’ve visited a few countries in Europe.”
A person talking about their friends might mention, “I have a few close friends who I can rely on.”

39. Dash

This term is used to describe a small amount or quantity of something. It implies a small portion or fragment.

For instance, “Add a dash of salt to the recipe.”
In a conversation about time, someone might say, “I’ll be there in a dash.”
A person discussing ingredients in a cocktail might mention, “Just a dash of bitters can enhance the flavor.”