footle

UK: ˈfuːt(ə)l | US: ˈfuːt(ə)l

Definition

  1. vi. to act or talk in a silly or pointless way

  2. n. foolish or trivial behavior

Structure
foot <base/trivial>le <frequentative verb suffix>
Etymology

"Footle" likely derives from the word "foot," implying something trivial or insignificant (as in "footnotes" or "foot of the page"). The suffix "-le" is a frequentative verb ending in English (e.g., "dazzle," "twinkle"), suggesting repetitive or habitual action. Thus, "footle" evolved to mean engaging in frivolous or nonsensical behavior.

Examples

  1. Stop footling around and focus on your work.

  2. His speech was full of footle, lacking any serious argument.

  3. She spent the afternoon footling with her phone instead of studying.

  4. The meeting devolved into footle, wasting everyone’s time.

  5. Don’t footle with trivial details—address the main issue.