niggle
[ nig-uh l ]
/ ˈnɪg əl /
verb (used without object), nig·gled, nig·gling.
to criticize, especially constantly or repeatedly, in a peevish or petty way; carp: to niggle about the fine points of interpretation; preferring to niggle rather than take steps to correct a situation.
to spend too much time and effort on inconsequential details: It's difficult to be meticulous and not niggle.
to work ineffectively; trifle: to niggle with an uninteresting task.
Nearby words
- niggardly,
- nigger,
- nigger heaven,
- nigger of the narcissus, the,
- niggerhead,
- niggling,
- nigglingly,
- nigh,
- night,
- night and day
Origin of niggle
1610–20; < Scandinavian; compare Norwegian nigla to be penurious (ultimately < Old Norse hnøggr stingy, cognate with Old English hnēaw); cf. niggard
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for niggle
The fact is, Mr. Niggle, we dont wish to wound your feelings.
Single Life|John Baldwin BuckstoneNiggle, eat in peace and thankfulness; for I have once more saved you from the abyss of matrimony.
Single Life|John Baldwin BuckstoneMr. Niggle, the gentleman with whom you saw me yesterday, is my friend.
Single Life|John Baldwin Buckstone
niggle
/ (ˈnɪɡəl) /
verb
(intr) to find fault continually
(intr) to be preoccupied with details; fuss
(tr) to irritate; worry
noun
a slight or trivial objection or complaint
a slight feeling as of misgiving, uncertainty, etc
Word Origin for niggle
C16: from Scandinavian; related to Norwegian nigla. Compare niggard
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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niggle
1590s (implied in niggling), possibly from a Scandinavian source (cf. Norwegian dialectal nigla "be busy with trifles"), perhaps related to source of niggard. Related: Niggled; niggling; niggler.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper