Definition of diddly

The origin of "diddly" is uncertain, but most likely derived from the Irish word "diddle," meaning "to deceive" or "to cheat." The term evolved to express a sense of insignificance or lack of value, likely influenced by the phrase "not worth a diddle" or "not worth a diddly-squat." It's possible the "diddly" part also borrows from "diddle-daddle," a term for something trivial or insignificant. While the exact origin remains foggy, "diddly" carries a long and playful history of signifying something small or unimportant.