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fiddle-faddle

fiddle-faddle

1 9.9
Silly, unimportant talk that wastes time
  • noun
  • /ˈfɪdəlˌfædəl/
  • Archaic
translation icon : tonterías
  • All this talk about ghosts is just fiddle-faddle; there is no evidence to support it.

Examples

Synonyms

chit-chat
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Informal
9 2.8

Short friendly talk about unimportant things

is more dismissive and silly, not just light friendly conversation
prattle
vsfiddle-faddle
5 8.7

Silly talk about unimportant things

is broader, including trivial activities as well as childish remarks
balderdash
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Informal
3 8.9

Silly talk or ideas that are not true

is similar but also includes playful or harmless trivial activities
piffle
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Informal
3 9.9

Talk that is silly and unimportant

adds that the triviality can be an activity, not only words
faddle
vsfiddle-faddle
2 9.9

A small unimportant fuss that wastes time

is more about playful or silly behaviour rather than a small fuss
monkey talk
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Informal
1 8.9

Silly or unimportant talk that wastes time

is the same idea but can refer to playful acts too
falderal
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Archaic
1 9.9

Foolish talk or ideas that are unimportant and silly

focuses more on casual silliness rather than only words
argle-bargle
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Archaic
1 9.9

Loud, silly talk that has no useful meaning

is similar but can also mean quiet trivial behaviour not just noise
yabber
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Australian
1 9.5

Light talk between people with little meaning

is closer to playful nonsense and trivial activity rather than mere chatter
tarradiddle
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Archaic
9.9

Untrue or silly talk that is not important

is the same idea but also covers silly actions as well as talk
taradiddle
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Archaic
9.9

Silly talk that makes little sense

is broader, including trivial actions as well as meaningless talk
fiddlesticks
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Archaic
9.2

Foolish talk that people should not believe

covers that plus light frivolous behaviour, not only remarks
prittle-prattle
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Archaic
9.7

Light talk about unimportant, silly things people say

is alike but can also mean trivial playful actions beyond talk
wish-wash
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Archaic
9.5

Unclear or silly talk without any real meaning

is similar but also applies to trivial physical activity or play
snuff-and-butter
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Archaic
9.9

Ordinary talk that is simple and not deep

leans more toward silly or pointless actions as well as talk
all fiddledeedee
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Archaic
9.9

Silly or untrue talk that is not important

is essentially the same but often used in playful contexts of action
tittle-tattle
vsfiddle-faddle
  • Archaic
8.4

Light, silly talk about other people

is general silly nonsense beyond gossip or social talk
fuddle-duddle
vsfiddle-faddle
  • NSFW
9.9

A silly short phrase people say when annoyed instead of swearing

is broader, covering light silly talk and trivial playful behaviour

Antonyms

188 4.3

The main idea of something said or written

53 2.7

A calm and honest way of speaking or acting that shows you mean what you say

How Trivial

nonsense
5 3.3
drivel
36 7.7
fiddle-faddle
  • Archaic
1 9.9
trifle
18 4.6

Surface Forms

fiddle-faddle singular

Etymology

Fiddle-faddle is a playful repeat of fiddle and faddle, where fiddle means 'to touch or play with', so the doubled sound makes the idea feel small and silly. That's why calling something fiddle-faddle means it is 'trivial nonsense' or a waste of time.