Scuddles

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. Moves along quickly with short, hurried steps, often in a scurrying or nervous manner
2. Hurries off with brisk, scampering movements, as small animals or people do when rushing somewhere
3. Runs or skitters along in a quick, scampering way, typically to get out of sight or reach a place fast

Etymology: "Scuddles" is the third-person singular form of "scuddle," a verb meaning to move quickly or scurry along. The verb is built from "scud," which refers to swift, driving motion, with the suffix "-le" attached. That suffix marks a frequentative, meaning repeated or continued action, so "scuddle" carries the sense of scudding again and again in short bursts. The verb is closely related to "scuttle," which also means to hurry, and the two words share the same kind of quick, scurrying movement. Their overlap in sense makes them easy to confuse, though "scuttle" has the additional meanings of sinking a ship on purpose and of a small container for coal.