How Do You Spell PETTIFOGGER?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛtɪfˌɒɡə] (IPA)

The word "pettifogger" is a term used to describe someone who uses legal technicalities and arguments to win a case or to obstruct justice. The spelling reflects the word's origin in Middle English, where "petty" meant minor and "fogger" meant lawyer. The phonetic transcription of "pettifogger" is /ˈpɛtɪˌfɔɡər/, with the primary stress on the first syllable and the secondary stress on the third syllable. The "g" in "fogger" is pronounced like a "j," giving the word a unique sound.

PETTIFOGGER Meaning and Definition

1. A pettifogger is an individual who engages in petty or frivolous legal practices, often with deceitful or unethical tactics, in order to fulfill their personal gain or to defend a dubious cause. This term is predominantly used within the realm of law and refers to an unscrupulous lawyer, amateur attorney, or legal trickster.

   Pettifoggers are characterized by their tendency to use legal technicalities, frivolous objections, and deceptive strategies, rather than relying on sound legal principles, to argue their case. They often exploit legal loopholes, engage in extensive nitpicking, and seek to confuse or mislead the opposing party or the court system. Their primary goal is to obtain an advantage for themselves or their clients, regardless of the accuracy or justice of their claims.

   Furthermore, pettifoggers are typically driven by personal gain and lack the moral or ethical principles that guide professional and competent legal practice. They focus on manipulating and exploiting the intricacies of the legal system for their own benefit rather than seeking justice or truth. This term carries a negative connotation and is often associated with dishonesty, unprofessionalism, and opportunism.

   Overall, a pettifogger can be considered an unscrupulous legal practitioner who resorts to underhanded tactics, deceit, and manipulation in their pursuit of personal gain, compromising the integrity and fairness of the legal process.

2. A lawyer who is employed in small or mean business.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PETTIFOGGER

• pettifoger
• pettyfogger
• pettifogue

Etymology of PETTIFOGGER

The word "pettifogger" originated in the late 16th century and has its roots in both English and Dutch. The "petty" part of the word comes from the English word "petite", meaning "small" or "trifling". "Fogger" is derived from the Dutch word "foggeren", which means "to bicker" or "to wrangle". Originally, the term referred to someone who used legal tricks and quibbles to argue unsettled points of law in a dishonest or underhanded manner. Over time, it came to describe any person who engages in unscrupulous or unethical practices.

Similar spelling words for PETTIFOGGER

• pettifog,
• peat bog,
• Pettifoggery,
• pettifogging.

Plural form of PETTIFOGGER is PETTIFOGGERS