Definition

A person, especially a lawyer, who engages in petty or trivial arguments and is often unscrupulous in their methods.

Example

The pettifogger tried to win the case by focusing on minor details instead of the main issues.

Conversation

Did you hear about that lawyer who always finds loopholes?

Yeah, they call him a real pettifogger around here.

It's surprising how someone like that can still have clients.

I guess some people just don't mind a little quibbling over details.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pettifogger → The word originates from the combination of 'petty' (from Middle English *petit*, meaning small or minor) and 'fogger' (from the verb 'fog', meaning to bicker or argue). A pettifogger is someone who engages in trivial or petty legal disputes, often in a quibbling manner.

Memory Tip

Think of 'petty' meaning small or minor, and 'fogger' as someone who bickers — a pettifogger is someone who argues over trivial matters.

Visually Confused Words