Pronunciation: [nˈiːdə͡ld] (IPA) 
The word "needled" is spelled with a double "e" because it is derived from the root word "needle" which also has a double "e" in it. The IPA phonetic transcription for "needled" is /ˈniːdəld/. The first syllable is pronounced as "nee" with a long "e" sound, followed by the "d" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "uld" with a short "u" sound and the "ld" sound. Overall, the word is pronounced as "NEE-duld".
Needled is a verb that refers to the act of provoking or irritating someone, typically through the use of persistent taunts or comments. It is a term that is often used to describe the act of intentionally annoying or teasing someone in a playful or mischievous manner.
When someone is needling another person, they are intentionally trying to elicit a reaction or response, often in a way that is sly or subtle. This can include making snide remarks, teasing, or poking fun at someone's insecurities or vulnerabilities. The purpose of needling is usually to get under someone's skin or to provoke them into reacting negatively, which can provide the needler with a sense of power or control over the situation.
Needling can occur in various settings, from personal relationships to professional environments. It can be a form of bullying or harassment, depending on the severity and frequency of the behavior. However, it can also be a harmless and playful activity among friends or siblings, provided that it is done with mutual consent and respect.
In summary, needling is the act of intentionally provoking or annoying someone through persistent teasing or taunts. It is a subtle form of aggression that aims to elicit a reaction from the targeted individual.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "needled" has its etymology rooted in the Middle English word "nedle" which derives from the Old English "nǣdl" and Proto-Germanic "nēdliō". These forms are similar to the Dutch "naald", German "Nadel", and Old Norse "nǣl", all meaning "needle". The word ultimately finds its origin in the Proto-Indo-European root "*neh₂d-" meaning "sewing needle" or "sting".
