Puddering

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Occupying oneself with small, fussy tasks that accomplish little, often in a muddled or flustered manner
2. Fussing and fiddling about with minor matters in a disorganized, rambling fashion without clear purpose
3. Potter-like activity marked by bustling, dithering effort over trifles rather than any real progress

Etymology: "Puddering" is the present participle and gerund of "pudder," a verb meaning to make a fuss or to bustle about in a flustered way. The verb is closely tied to "pother," a word of similar sense, and the two are generally treated as related forms of the same root. "Pother" itself describes a commotion, a cloud of dust or smoke, or a state of agitated confusion, and "pudder" carries that same sense of busy, muddled activity. Because the source offers no further history for "pudder," there is little more to trace with confidence. Its meaning centres on fussing and flustered movement, and the participle form simply names that ongoing action, as in someone "puddering about" the kitchen.

Synonyms: muddling, fumbling, bungling