Footling

Adjective

Definition: Trivial, silly, or insignificant.

Definition: Irritating or annoying.

Synonyms: Trivial, Silly, Insignificant

Antonyms: Significant, Important, Substantial

Examples:

Don't waste your time on such footling matters.
She found his constant footling complaints irritating.

Mnemonics:

Think of someone constantly fussing about small and unimportant matters, being footling can be irritating.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "footling" originated from the Old Norse word "fotlendi," which means "trifling" or "worthless." It entered the English language in the early 19th century.

Historical Usage:

The term has been used to describe insignificant or petty matters throughout its history, often carrying a negative connotation.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Make a mountain out of a molehill"

Explanation:

This phrase is often used to describe the act of exaggerating small and insignificant matters, similar to being footling.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Footling solely means irritating, without the connotation of triviality.

Explanation:

While footling can be irritating, its primary meaning is trivial or insignificant. The irritation aspect is an additional nuance.