Footle

/ˈfʊtəl/ verb

Definition

To engage in fruitless activity; to tinker or fiddle with something without purpose or progress.

Etymology

Origin uncertain, possibly from British dialectal 'foot' or influenced by 'tootle.' First recorded in late 19th century meaning to waste time or bustle about ineffectively.

Kelly Says

Footle is what you're doing when you're 'futzing around'—it's such a satisfying word to say that it perfectly captures the wasted energy of procrastination and busy-ness without accomplishment.

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