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niggle

 - 3 dictionary results

nig⋅gle

  [nig-uhl]
Use niggle in a Sentence
–verb (used without object), -gled, -gling.
1. to criticize, esp. 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.
2. to spend too much time and effort on inconsequential details: It's difficult to be meticulous and not niggle.
3. to work ineffectively; trifle: to niggle with an uninteresting task.
Origin:
1610–20; < Scand; cf. Norw nigla to be penurious (ult. < ON hnøggr stingy, c. OE hnēaw); cf. niggard

Related forms:
niggler, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To niggle
nig·gle   (nĭg'əl)   
intr.v.   nig·gled, nig·gling, nig·gles

  1. To be preoccupied with trifles or petty details.

  2. To find fault constantly and trivially; carp. See Synonyms at quibble.


[Perhaps of Scandinavian origin.]
nig'gler n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

niggle 
1599 (implied in niggling), possibly from a Scand. source (cf. Norw. dial. nigla "be busy with trifles"), perhaps related to source of niggard.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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