to criticize, especially constantly or repeatedly, in a peevish or petty way; carp:
to niggle about the fine points of interpretation; preferring to niggle rather than take steps to correct a situation.
2.
to spend too much time and effort on inconsequential details:
It's difficult to be meticulous and not niggle.
3.
to work ineffectively; trifle:
to niggle with an uninteresting task.
Origin
1610-20; < Scandinavian; compare Norwegiannigla to be penurious (ultimately < Old Norsehnøggr stingy, cognate with Old Englishhnēaw); cf. niggard
Related forms
niggler, noun
Examples from the web for niggle
It's a niggle but someone might want to point out to the headline writer that empathic does not mean the same thing as empathetic.
British Dictionary definitions for niggle
niggle
/ˈnɪɡəl/
verb
1.
(intransitive) to find fault continually
2.
(intransitive) to be preoccupied with details; fuss
3.
(transitive) to irritate; worry
noun
4.
a slight or trivial objection or complaint
5.
a slight feeling as of misgiving, uncertainty, etc
Derived Forms
niggler, noun niggly, adjective
Word Origin
C16: from Scandinavian; related to Norwegian nigla. Compare niggard
Word Origin and History for niggle
v.
1590s (implied in niggling), possibly from a Scandinavian source (cf. Norwegian dialectal nigla "be busy with trifles"), perhaps related to source of niggard. Related: Niggled; niggling; niggler.
Slang definitions & phrases for niggle
niggle
verb
To complain
To spend time on inconsequential things; trifle •With niggling as the adjective form: niggle over the details(1886+)