niggle

 
Pronunciation: /ˈnɪg(ə)l/

verb

[no object]
  • cause slight but persistent annoyance, discomfort, or anxiety: Doreen wanted to discuss matters that niggled at her mind (as adjective niggling) niggling aches and pains
  • [with object] criticize or annoy (someone) in a petty way: people niggling me for doing too much work

noun

  • a trivial criticism, discomfort, or annoyance: it is an excellent book except for my few niggles he can only throw underarm at the moment because of a niggle

Derivatives

nigglingly

adverb

niggly

adjective

Origin:

early 17th century (in the sense 'do in an ineffectual way'): apparently of Scandinavian origin; compare with Norwegian nigla. Current senses date from the late 18th century