TIDDLY Meaning and
Definition
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Tiddly is an adjective that can be used to describe something as small or insignificant. It often refers to things that are small in size, magnitude, or importance. The word derives from the Middle English term "tidly," meaning tiny or little.
In one sense, "tiddly" can be used to describe something that is physically small, such as a tiddly toy or a tiddly button. For example, you might say, "Look at that tiddly kitten!" to emphasize its small size.
However, "tiddly" can also be used metaphorically to describe things that are inconsequential or unimportant. For instance, if someone mentions a tiddly problem, it implies that the issue at hand is minor and not particularly significant. Similarly, if someone dismisses an idea as tiddly, they are suggesting that it lacks importance or merit.
Additionally, "tiddly" can describe something that is slightly intoxicated, meaning someone is mildly drunk. This usage is more informal and often associated with British English. It can be used to convey a state of lightheartedness or mild inebriation rather than full-blown drunkenness.
Overall, "tiddly" encompasses the notions of smallness, insignificance, and sometimes light intoxication, making it a versatile adjective to describe various aspects of size, importance, and state of being.
Common Misspellings for TIDDLY
Etymology of TIDDLY
The word "tiddly" is believed to have originated as a colloquialism in the English language in the late 18th or early 19th century. Its exact etymology is uncertain, as it likely developed as a playful or whimsical alteration of other words or phrases.
One theory suggests that "tiddly" may have derived from the word "tiny", with the "-ly" suffix added for emphasis or to create a rhyming effect. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that "tiddly" is often used to describe something small or diminutive.
Another theory proposes that "tiddly" originated from the phrase "tiddlywinks", which refers to a children's game. In this context, "tiddly" might have been derived from a nonsense word created to mimic the sound of the game pieces being flicked or flipped.
Similar spelling words for TIDDLY
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