pettifogging etymology

Etymology:

  • Pettifogging:
    • Late 17th century: from pettifog + -ing, with pettifog (early 17th century) meaning 'to argue over minor points in a legal case' from petty (late Middle English) 'small', 'mean', 'insignificant', + fog 'mist', 'uncertainty'.

Meaning:

  • Engaging in petty or frivolous arguments or questions, especially in a legal context.
  • Raising minor objections or technicalities to obstruct or delay proceedings.
  • Characterized by excessive attention to unimportant details or arguments.

Origin:

  • The term "pettifogging" originated in the late 17th century in England as a pejorative term for lawyers who engaged in trivial or dishonest legal arguments.
  • It was derived from the word "pettyfog," which itself was a combination of "petty" (meaning "insignificant" or "trivial") and "fog" (meaning "mist" or "obscurity").
  • The term implied that these lawyers were using obscure or irrelevant arguments to confuse or mislead the court or jury.
  • Over time, the term came to be applied more broadly to anyone who engaged in petty or frivolous arguments, not just lawyers.

pettifogging relate terms

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