fidget

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to make repeated small movements, especially because of nervousness, impatience, or boredom

   The witness began to fidget with a loose button while she waited to testify.

2. 2
   noun

   a small, restless movement made repeatedly or without conscious intention

   Each nervous fidget made the old wooden chair creak.

3. 3
   noun

   informally, a person who has difficulty remaining still

   As a child, Leo was a terrible fidget during long ceremonies.

4. 4
   noun

   a small object or toy designed to be manipulated in the hands, often to occupy attention or relieve tension

   The counselor gave each student a quiet fidget to use during the meeting.

Simplified etymology

Fidget developed in the late 17th century from the obsolete verb fidge, meaning “to twitch.” Fidge may be related to Old Norse fikja, “move briskly, be restless, or be eager.”

Recorded in the 1670s, originally in the noun phrase the fidget, from the earlier dialect verb fidge, 'move restlessly.' Fidge is probably related to Middle English fiken or fyken, 'move about restlessly or hasten,' perhaps through Old Norse fikjask, 'desire eagerly.' The verb fidget developed alongside the noun; fidgety followed in the eighteenth century.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary