NIGGLE

quibble, niggle, pettifog, bicker, squabble, brabble

(verb) argue over petty things; “Let’s not quibble over pennies”

fuss, niggle, fret

(verb) worry unnecessarily or excessively; “don’t fuss too much over the grandchildren--they are quite big now”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

niggle (plural niggles)

A minor complaint or problem.

(obsolete) Small, cramped handwriting.

Verb

niggle (third-person singular simple present niggles, present participle niggling, simple past and past participle niggled)

(transitive, obsolete) To trifle with; to deceive; to mock.

(transitive) To use, spend, or do in a petty or trifling manner.

(intransitive) To dwell too much on minor points or on trifling details.

(intransitive, mostly, UK) To fidget, fiddle, be restless.

Anagrams

• egling, gingle, leggin, leging

Source: Wiktionary


Nig"gle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Niggled; p. pr. & vb. n. Niggling.] Etym: [Dim. of Prov. E. nig to clip money; cf. also Prov. E. nig a small piece.]

Definition: To trifle with; to deceive; to mock. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

Nig"gle, v. t.

1. To trifle or play. Take heed, daughter, You niggle not with your conscience and religion. Massinger.

2. To act or walk mincingly. [Prov. Eng.]

3. To fret and snarl about trifles. [Prov. Eng.]

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

30 May 2025

FOREHAND

(noun) (sports) a return made with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke (as in tennis or badminton or squash)


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You can overdose on coffee if you drink about 30 cups in a brief period to get close to a lethal dosage of caffeine.

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