niggle

Meanings

Noun

• A minor complaint or problem.
• Small, cramped handwriting.

Verb

• To trifle with; to deceive; to mock.
• To use, spend, or do in a petty or trifling manner.
• To dwell too much on minor points or on trifling details.
• To fidget, fiddle, be restless.

Origin

• First attested in 1599. Unknown, but likely borrowed from dialectal Norwegian nigla, ultimately from Old Norse hnøggr, related to Old English hnēaw. More at niggard.