verb
diddle
to spend time doing little of use
We diddle around all morning instead of cleaning the garage.
Etymology
Diddle belongs to informal vocabulary for trifling, fiddling, or wasting time. Its deeper origin is uncertain, and this use emphasizes activity without much useful result.
More examples
- Stop diddling around and finish your homework.
- He diddles away his lunch break without ever eating.
- I diddled with the settings but made no progress.
Forms
diddle · diddles · diddled · diddling