fiddle-faddle

[ fid-l-fad-l ]

noun

1. nonsense.
2. something trivial.

verb (used without object)

, fid·dle-fad·dled, fid·dle-fad·dling.

1. to fuss with trifles.

interjection

1. (used to express irritation, impatience, etc.)

fiddle-faddle

/ ˈfɪdəlˌfædəl /

noun

1. trivial matter; nonsense

verb

1. intr to fuss or waste time, esp over trivial matters

Derived Forms

• ˈfiddle-ˌfaddler, noun

Other Words From

• fiddle-faddler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fiddle-faddle¹

First recorded in 1570–80; gradational compound based on fiddle

Word History and Origins

Origin of fiddle-faddle¹

C16: reduplication of fiddle

Example Sentences

A view of the duchess's ball-room, or of the dining-table of the earl, will supersede all occasion for lengthy fiddle-faddle.

From Project Gutenberg

To think of such foolish fiddle-faddle stopping a man of his acumen and strength!

From Project Gutenberg

Far better to teach your daughter to brew and bake than all the modern 'ologies' and fiddle-faddle in the world!

From Project Gutenberg

There's a lot of "fiddle-faddle" wrapped up in that word "inspiration."

From Project Gutenberg

He said one day to me, "Why don't you give up your fiddle-faddle of geology and zoology, and turn to the occult sciences!"

From Project Gutenberg