diddle

Fool around aimlessly

Diddle means to cheat or swindle: He diddled me out of fifty bucks.

It also means to waste time or move aimlessly: Stop diddling around and get to work.

In informal use, diddle is a mild term for masturbation or sexual touching: caught diddling himself.

To diddle with something is to fiddle or tamper with it idly.

cheat

con

Argument against

scamDishonest money-making scheme
swindleDeception for financial gain
defraudObtain through deceit

bamboozle · hoodwink · gull · fleece · bilk · dupe · rip-off · flimflam · grift · gyp

fidget

tinker

Mender of metal household wares

twiddleTurn idly, absently
toyObject for amusement
fussAgitated, unnecessary concern

putter · dabble · monkey · tamper · mess · niggle · play · adjust · tweak · poke

dawdle

delay

Enforced waiting period

loiterRemain idly in place
lingerStay beyond necessity
dallyLoiter without purpose

idle · waste · procrastinate · putter · lollygag · tarry · lag · stall · fritter · mosey

Categories

drum soundsbeat, boom, drumroll, hit, kick
-le/-er verbsbabble, bubble, bumble, burble, crackle
dartsdart, darts, dartboard, bullseye, treble
drummingsnare drum, drum roll, drumroll, beat, drumsticks

Opposites

honesty/deception

diddleplay fair

Act honestly in competition

be honest · repay · compensate · reimburse · honor

purposeful action

diddlefocus

Concentrated attention point

buckle down · get to work · concentrate · apply oneself · accomplish

speed/productivity

diddlerush

Quick sudden movement

hurry · race · dash · hasten · speed

Phrases

Hey Diddle DiddleClassic children's verse

Family

diddles, diddled, diddling, diddler

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG-13