Tiddly

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Characterized by being small, trivial, or insignificant in nature; often used to describe something amusing or light-hearted; can refer to a state of mild inebriation or playfulness
2. Describing something as diminutive or petty, typically eliciting a sense of humor or lightness; may also relate to a slight intoxication or whimsical behavior; often evokes a cheerful or carefree atmosphere
3. Indicating a trivial or minor aspect, usually with a humorous connotation; can denote a state of playful intoxication or merriment; often associated with light-hearted, frolicsome antics

Etymology: The word's most familiar sense, "slightly drunk," is the one many British speakers reach for first. Dictionaries generally link it to "tipsy," and the two may have blended or influenced each other, though the exact route is uncertain. The "small" and "petty" senses may be older in regional speech. Dialect forms such as "tiddy" and "tidy" were used in parts of England for something small, neat or dainty, and the adjective's light, diminutive feel may come from there. The connection is plausible but not firmly documented. The "small" sense survives in "tiddlywinks," the game of flicking tiny counters into a cup. Whether the game took its name from the adjective, or the reverse, is not something I can confirm.