niggle

Meaning

Noun

1. A minor complaint or problem.
2. (obsolete) Small, cramped handwriting.

Verb

1. (obsolete) To trifle with; to deceive; to mock.
2. To use, spend, or do in a petty or trifling manner.
3. To dwell too much on minor points or on trifling details.
4. To fidget, fiddle, be restless.
5. To walk with short steps.

Synonyms

quibble

bicker

grumble

squabble

pettifog

petty

nitpick

cavil

grouse

nag

fret

fuss

carp

whine

nit-pick

brabble

grouch

hassle

higgle

infest

inflict

knead

kvetch

molest

murmur

mutter

nudge

palter

piddle

protest

semantic

semanticist

smite

trifle

trouble

vex

weigh

argue over petty things

eat on

afflict

noodge

ail

argue

beef

beset

bitch

bleat

bother

complain

crab

🦀

criticize

discommode

gall

get

gripe

grizzle

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈnɪɡəl/

Etymology

Cognate with Old English: hnēaw

In summary

First attested in 1599. Origin uncertain, but likely borrowed from dialectal Norwegian nigla (“to be stingy, to busy oneself with trifles”), ultimately from Old Norse hnøggr (“stingy; miserly”), related to Old English hnēaw (“stingy; niggardly”). More at niggard.