to whittle wood or the like with a knife, as in shaping something or as a mere aimless diversion: to spend an afternoon whittling. to tire oneself or another by worrying or fussing.

Where does the word whittling come from?

whittle (v.)

1550s, "to cut thin shavings from (something) with a knife," from Middle English whittel "a knife," especially a large one (c.

What does Whittle mean in slang?

2 : to wear oneself or another out with fretting. Other Words from whittle More Example Sentences Learn More About whittle.