Pronunciation: [tˈɪdlə] (IPA) 
The word "tiddler" is often used to refer to a small or young fish. In terms of its spelling, the first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, represented as /ɪ/, followed by a voiced dental fricative consonant, represented as /ð/. The second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, represented as /ə/, followed by a lateral approximant consonant, represented as /l/. The word is spelled as "t-i-d-d-l-e-r".
Tiddler is a noun that refers to a small fish, especially a young or juvenile one. This term is commonly used in British English and is often applied to various types of small fish such as minnows or small freshwater species. Tiddlers are generally recognized for their diminutive size and are often found in ponds, streams, or other bodies of water.
The word "tiddler" is derived from the colloquial term "tiddly" which means small or tiny. It is believed to have originated from the Old English word "tid," which translates to "a small or petty thing." Thus, tiddler essentially conveys the idea of an insignificant or tiny fish.
The term "tiddler" is frequently used by anglers or fishermen for addressing small fish that are not of significant commercial or sporting value. They are often caught as bait or used as an indicator of a larger fish presence in an area. Tiddlers can also refer to young fish that are not fully grown and have not yet reached their reproductive age.
Overall, tiddler is a descriptive term used to categorize small or immature fish, typically found in freshwater habitats. Its usage is most prevalent in British English and primarily serves to distinguish diminutive fish species or populations from their larger counterparts.
The word "tiddler" originates from the English language, specifically from British and Commonwealth English dialects. Its etymology is a combination of the terms "tiddly", meaning small or tiny, and "er", a suffix used in English to form diminutive nouns. "Tiddler" thus refers to something very small, often used to describe small fish or children's toys.
