Definition of fiddle around

The origins of the phrase "fiddle around" can be traced back to the late 1800s in the United States. At that time, "fiddle" was commonly used as a slang term for sex, as well as to refer to the stringed instrument played by a fiddler. The exact origins of this usage are unclear, but it's possible that it originated from the term "fiddle-dee-dee," which was used in the early 1900s as a euphemism for sexual activity. Another theory is that "fiddle" came from the idea of "fiddling" with something, such as a woman's clothing, as a prelude to sexual activity. This interpretation is supported by the fact that "fiddle" was also used in about the same time period to mean "flirt" or "seduce." The term "fiddle around" likely emerged as a way to describe time-wasting or aimless activity, possibly borrowing from the connotation of fiddling with something inconsequentially. In its initial usage, it was often associated with sexual activity, but over time it has come to have a much broader meaning and connotation, describing any kind of unproductive or untargeted behavior. Today, the phrase "fiddle around" is widely used in everyday language to describe activities that don't seem to be achieving a clear goal or outcome. In summary, the origin of "fiddle around" is rooted in early 20th-century slang, drawing on the association of the term "fiddle" with sexual activity and the idea of fiddling with something without a clear goal. As its meaning has evolved, "fiddle around" has become a more general term for unproductive action, reflecting changing cultural attitudes towards sexuality and leisure time activity.