PETTIFOGGING Meaning and
Definition
-
Pettifogging is an adjective that describes someone or something as excessively concerned with unimportant and trivial details, particularly in a legal or academic context. The word often implies a person who is overly scrupulous, nitpicky, or pedantic in their approach, focusing on insignificant matters rather than addressing the main points or larger issues at hand.
In the legal field, a pettifogging lawyer is one who engages in unproductive or unethical tactics, often using manipulative, deceptive, or convoluted arguments to distract or confuse the opposing party and the court. This behavior can hinder the progress of a case, waste time, and frustrate all parties involved.
Similarly, in academic or intellectual discussions, pettifogging refers to the inclination to excessively focus on trivial or insignificant details, rather than addressing the core and pertinent concepts or ideas being discussed. It can hamper meaningful discourse or productive research by getting lost in the minutiae and failing to see the bigger picture.
The term pettifogging can also be applied more broadly to describe any situation or person that excessively fixates on minor details, creating unnecessary complications and hindrances. It suggests an inclination towards superficiality, detracting from the pursuit of substantive matters or genuine progress.
-
Conducting inferior or mean law business; playing the part of a pettifogger.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PETTIFOGGING
Etymology of PETTIFOGGING
The word "pettifogging" dates back to the 16th century and has its origins in the combination of two words: "petty" and "fogger".
The term "petty" derives from the Middle English word "petit" or "petite", which means small or slight. It later entered the English language through Old French from the Latin word "petitus", meaning small or insignificant. Over time, "petty" evolved to refer to something of little importance or significance.
"Fogger" is less common and archaic, but it stemmed from the Middle English word "fogger", meaning to stir up or agitate, especially in a legal context. It may have originated from an Old Norse root related to "fugia", which means to flee or put to flight.
Similar spelling words for PETTIFOGGING
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
