Definition of piddling

The precise origin of the word "piddling" is unclear, as it appears to have developed through a combination of Old Norse, Old English, and Middle English roots. According to some linguists, the Old Norse word "pitil" meaning "trifle" or "insignificant amount" may be a possible root for "piddling." This word may have made its way into Old English through Viking invasions and settlements, where it took on the form "pyttel." In Middle English, the word "pyttel" evolved into "pidlen," which had several meanings, including "wasting time or resources" and "small excrement or urine." The sense of "wasting time or resources" likely came from the meaning "small excrement," as spending too much time on a small task, like emptying one's bladder, could seem like a waste of time. Over time, the meaning of "piddling" has evolved to encompass any insignificant, small, or wasteful activity, as the word is now commonly used to describe tasks that don't require much time or effort. Despite its unclear origins, "piddling" has remained a part of the English language for centuries, and its meaning has remained relatively consistent over time. Its unusual origins, however, continue to fascinate linguists and historians, as they seek to better understand the evolution of the English language and its many fascinating words.