argle etymology

Etymology

The etymology of "argle" is uncertain, but it may be related to the following:

• "Gargle," from Old French "gargouiller," meaning "to gurgle"
• "Argot," a secret language or slang, possibly related to "jargon"
• A hypothetical root word "arg-" meaning "to babble"

Meaning

"Argle" has two main meanings:

1. To talk or argue in a meaningless or unintelligible way:

   • "They were argling about some technicality that I didn't understand."
   • "Don't argle-bargle with me, just give me a straight answer."

2. To disturb or irritate someone with constant talking or arguing:

   • "He's been argling at me all day about his stupid ideas."
   • "Stop argling and let me finish my work."

Origin

The earliest known use of "argle" in the sense of "meaningless talk" dates back to the 1700s. The sense of "irritating talk" emerged in the early 1900s. Both meanings are predominantly used in British English.

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