'pettifoggery' originates from English, specifically the word 'pettifog', where 'petty' meant 'small' and 'fog' (in this formation) conveyed the idea of baffling, confusing, or using trickery; the suffix '-ery' forms a noun indicating a practice or behavior.

'pettifoggery' developed from the verb 'pettifog' (late 17th–early 18th century) and the agent noun 'pettifogger' ('one who pettifogs'); over time the pattern produced the abstract noun 'pettifoggery' meaning the behavior or practice of pettifogging.

Initially it referred to petty quibbling or unscrupulous tactics (often attributed to low‑grade lawyers or tricksters); it has retained that basic sense and now denotes petty, hair-splitting objections or petty dishonest behavior.