piddle

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   informal: to spend time ineffectually on trivial matters; to work in a small or desultory way

   Do not piddle with minor details when the main proposal is unfinished.

2. 2
   verb

   informal: to urinate

   The puppy piddled on the kitchen floor.

3. 3
   noun

   informal: an act of urinating, or urine

   The child woke during the night to have a piddle.

Of uncertain origin, perhaps related to regional German verbs such as piddeln for picking or working at something in a small way. The urination senses may have developed later as a euphemistic diminutive associated with piss.

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