4 July 2013

niggle

[nig-uhl]

verb (used without object), nig·gled, nig·gling.
1. 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.
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; < Scandinavian; compare Norwegian nigla to be penurious (ultimately < Old Norse hnøggr stingy, cognate with Old English hnēaw ); cf. niggard

Related forms
nig·gler, noun

Today’s aphorism

‘My country, right or wrong’ is a thing that no patriot would think of saying except in a desperate case. It is like saying ‘My mother, drunk or sober’.

– G.K. Chesterton

On this day

4 July 1943 – birthday of Alan Wilson. American guitarist and singer-songwriter for Canned Heat.