What does kiddle mean?
The verb kiddle refers to the act of deceiving or cheating someone in a clever or sneaky way. It is often used in British English and can imply a sense of cleverness or cunning on the part of the person doing the kiddling. Kiddle can be used in a variety of contexts, from lighthearted teasing to more serious forms of deception. While it is not commonly used in American English, it is still a useful word to know for those interested in British slang or dialect. The word kiddle is often used interchangeably with synonyms like cheat or deceive, but it has a distinct connotation of cleverness or sneakiness.
verbTo deceive or cheat someone in a clever or sneaky way.
- To deceive or cheat
- To manipulate or control
"He kiddled his friend into lending him money with a false promise to pay him back."
"The salesperson kiddled the customer into buying a more expensive model."
"The politician was accused of kiddling the public with false promises."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of kiddle
The origin of kiddle is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th century as a variant of the word kid, which was used as a slang term for a child or a foolish person. Over time, the word kiddle developed into a verb meaning to deceive or cheat someone, often in a clever or sneaky way.
How kiddle is actually used
Informal or regional usage, often used in British English.