Tweedling

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. Playing a thin, trilling melody on a pipe or fiddle ; idly fidgeting or toying with an object with the fingers
2. Sounding a light, warbling tune on a whistle or small instrument ; restlessly twirling or fooling about with something in the hands
3. Producing a shrill, fluting melody on an instrument ; aimlessly fiddling or playing with a small object

Etymology: "Tweedling" is the present participle and gerund of "tweedle," a verb for playing a thin, light melody on an instrument, often in a fussy or tinkling way. The root word is thought to be imitative, meaning it was shaped to sound like the thing it describes, the way "toodle" and "twiddle" seem to echo light, repeated notes. Its exact origin is uncertain. The verb is probably also shaped by "wheedle," which means to coax or flatter. That influence is worth noticing: a tune played in this way can sound cajoling or sweet rather than forceful, so the two words may have drifted toward each other in feeling. Related forms such as "teedle" and "toodle" show the same playful sound pattern, though they are not definitively the source of "tweedle."

Synonyms: twittering, warbling