Niggles

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. A series of persistent minor annoyances or discomforts that can disrupt concentration or peace of mind
2. The act of expressing slight objections or complaints about trivial matters while indicating deeper feelings
3. Small and irritating worries or doubts that linger in one's thoughts and can cause unease or dissatisfaction

Etymology: "Niggles" is the third-person singular present of the verb "niggle", meaning to keep bothering or nagging someone with small worries. The verb is first attested in 1599, and its origin is uncertain, though it is likely borrowed from dialectal Norwegian "nigla", meaning to be stingy or to busy oneself with trifles. That Norwegian word goes back to Old Norse "hnøggr", meaning stingy or miserly, which is related to the Old English "hnēaw", also meaning stingy. The word is thus a close cousin of "niggard", a miser, and the sense of pettiness in the original words carried over into the idea of fussing over small details.

Synonyms: annoys, irritates, troubles, bothers, vexes

Antonyms: pleases, calms, soothes, relieves, comforts