Tweedle

/ˈtwiːdəl/ verb

Definition

To play a musical instrument, especially a stringed one, in a light or frivolous way; or to manipulate or tamper with something.

Etymology

From the onomatopoeia 'tweed,' imitative of light musical sounds, combined with the suffix '-le.' It gained popularity in the 18th century as composers wrote pieces called 'tweedles.'

Kelly Says

The nursery rhyme 'Tweedledee and Tweedleddum' comes from this word—the 'dum-dum' part literally means 'tweedle' plus a rhythmic ending, so the names are actually about how they make music!

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