pettifogging
|pet/ti/fog/ging|
C2
🇺🇸
/ˈpɛt.iˌfɑː.ɡɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈpet.iˌfɒɡ.ɪŋ/
(pettifog)
trivial focus
Etymology
Etymology Information
'pettifog' originates from the English word 'petty,' meaning 'small or trivial,' and 'fogger,' a term for a shyster or unscrupulous lawyer.
Historical Evolution
'pettifog' changed from the Middle English word 'pettyfogger' and eventually became the modern English word 'pettifog.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a lawyer who deals with petty cases,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'focusing on trivial details.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
focusing on trivial or petty details, often in a legal context.
The lawyer was criticized for his pettifogging arguments.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45