The spelling of the word "diddled away" is quite confusing phonetically. The word "diddled" is spelled with two 'd's, two 'l's and one 'e', but when we add the word "away" to it, the spelling becomes unpredictable. The 'd' and 'l' sounds in "diddled" are repeated in "away", but the 'e' sound is represented by 'a'. Thus, the word is pronounced /ˈdɪdəld əˈweɪ/ (dih-duhld uh-wey) where the first syllable rhymes with "id", and the second syllable rhymes with "day".
"Diddled away" is a colloquial expression that conveys the idea of wasting or squandering time, resources, opportunities, or efforts in a nonchalant or careless manner. It typically implies a sense of negligence or thoughtlessness in the way one manages or utilizes something, often resulting in negative outcomes or unfulfilled potential.
This phrase can be used to describe situations where someone fritters away valuable time or resources by engaging in unproductive or trivial activities. For instance, someone might be said to have "diddled away" their afternoon by mindlessly browsing the internet instead of completing important tasks or working on meaningful projects.
The term can also be applied to situations where someone fails to make the most of an opportunity due to lack of effort or commitment. For example, if someone had a chance to improve their skills or advance in their career but instead chose to procrastinate or engage in nonessential activities, they could be said to have "diddled away" that opportunity.
In summary, "diddled away" refers to the act of idly wasting or misusing something of value, often due to negligence or a lack of focused effort. It conveys a sense of regret or missed potential, implying that the squandered time, resources, opportunities, or efforts could have been better utilized or managed for more positive or productive outcomes.
The phrase "diddled away" has its origins in the verb "diddle" which dates back to the early 17th century. However, the etymology of "diddle" itself is uncertain. There are a few potential theories about its origin:
1. Dutch source: Some suggest that "diddle" may have derived from the Dutch word "diddelen" or "dodelen", meaning "to totter" or "to waddle". This explanation proposes that "diddle" evolved from the Dutch influence on English vocabulary during the 17th century.
2. Imitative origin: Another theory suggests that "diddle" may be an echoic or imitative word that imitates certain sounds or actions. It could potentially imitate the sound of a fiddle, as in "diddling with a fiddle".