Pothering: meaning, definitions and examples
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pothering
[ ˈpɒθərɪŋ ]
to fuss
Pothering refers to the act of being overly agitated or concerned about trivial matters. It often implies a sense of fussiness or excessive worry over things that may not be significant. This behavior can be seen in individuals who tend to stress about small problems, leading to unnecessary distraction or commotion. The term evokes a light-hearted or dismissive attitude towards such behavior, often suggesting that the individual would be better off focusing on more important issues.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Stop pothering about the dishes; they can wait.
- She was pothering around the house, making sure everything was perfect.
- There's no need to pother over minor details.
- He tends to pother when he’s nervous about a decision.
Translations
Translations of the word "pothering" in other languages:
🇵🇹 importunando
🇮🇳 परेशान करना
🇩🇪 belästigen
🇮🇩 mengganggu
🇺🇦 докучати
🇵🇱 dokuczanie
🇯🇵 煩わせる
🇫🇷 importuner
🇪🇸 molestar
🇹🇷 rahatsız etmek
🇰🇷 귀찮게 하다
🇸🇦 إزعاج
🇨🇿 obtěžovat
🇸🇰 obťažovať
🇨🇳 打扰
🇸🇮 motiti
🇮🇸 trufla
🇰🇿 мазасыздандыру
🇬🇪 შეწუხება
🇦🇿 narahat etmək
🇲🇽 molestar
Etymology
The term 'pother' has its origins in the 16th century, derived from the dialectal word 'pother' which means to be busy or to fuss. It is closely related to the concept of 'hither and thither' which suggests a lack of focus and the tendency to be disorganized. Over the years, 'pother' evolved into both a noun and a verb, and it became used in various English dialects, often with slightly different meanings. In literary references, it was popularized by its occurrence in various works that depicted rural or domestic life, showcasing characters who are overly concerned with inconsequential matters. The transformation from a simple term for busyness to a more nuanced reference for fussiness indicates a shift in cultural perceptions of time and priorities. Today, the word retains its charmingly antiquated feel while still being understood as a description of fussing or fretting.