fiddle-faddle
[fid-l-fad-l]
noun
something trivial.
verb (used without object), fid·dle-fad·dled, fid·dle-fad·dling.
to fuss with trifles.
interjection
(used to express irritation, impatience, etc.)
Origin of fiddle-faddle
First recorded in 1570–80; gradational compound based on fiddle
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for fiddle-faddle
hogwash, frippery, froth, triviality, bunk, baloney, frivolity, bull, malarkey, minutia, trifle, flummeryExamples from the Web for fiddle-faddle
Historical Examples of fiddle-faddle
Well might the merit of your passion be doubted, you say, if, like Mr. Solmes—fiddle-faddle!
Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
Dost thou think I will fiddle-faddle about myself like a woman?
An Orkney MaidAmelia Edith Huddleston Barr
Is she crying out her eyes over that piece of fiddle-faddle?
The Maidens' LodgeEmily Sarah Holt
There's a lot of "fiddle-faddle" wrapped up in that word "inspiration."
The Fiction FactoryJohn Milton Edwards
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?"
fiddle-faddle
noun, interjection
verb
Word Origin for fiddle-faddle
C16: reduplication of fiddle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper