bull fiddle

Over in the musicology department, The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians defines “fiddle” as “a generic term for any chordophone [stringed instrument] played with a bow.” This instrument group includes the violin and many other instruments as diverse as the one-string goge of sub-Saharan Africa, having a ...

Etymology. The etymology of fiddle is uncertain: it probably derives from the Latin fidula, which is the early word for violin, or it may be natively Germanic. The name appears to be related to Icelandic Fiðla and also Old English fiðele.

CHEAT fiddle verb (CHEAT) to act dishonestly in order to get something for yourself, or to change something dishonestly, especially to your advantage: She managed to fiddle a free trip to America.

Most of us are familiar with the musical instrument called a fiddle, although many prefer to think of it as a violin. Physically, the two are one and the same: a smallish, delicately curved wooden instrument with a hollow body and four strings stretched taut across a thin neck.

"Fiddle" is often used for musical styles that lean in the folk direction: styles like bluegrass, cajun, country and some types of traditional Celtic music.

As a general rule, a violin is used for classical music and a fiddle is used for folk, country, and bluegrass. In the rock and jazz idioms, the terms are used more interchangeably.

fiddle, German Fiedel, French Vielle, medieval European bowed, stringed musical instrument. The medieval fiddle, a forerunner of the violin, emerged in 10th-century Europe, possibly deriving from the lira, a Byzantine version of the rabāb, an Arab bowed instrument.

Fiddle-faddle is silly, insignificant nonsense. Fiddle-faddle doesn't amount to much. Fiddle-faddle usually refers to nonsense that is particularly insubstantial: trivial stuff that means little.

There isn't a difference between a fiddle and a violin… at least not physically. The difference between a fiddle and a violin is simply in the style of music they are used to play. As you likely know, violins are typically used to perform classical music, such as in symphonies and string quartets.

The American fiddle traditions also come from Scotland and Ireland, but with influences from everything else in America: native Americans, Africans, French Canadians, and in a modern era, fusion with country, jazz, rock.

Religious leaders in the 19th century called the fiddle “The Devil's Instrument,” since it was often played at weddings, dances and gatherings where food, drink and merriment ensued. It continues to play a role in Norwegian culture today.

1. : to play (something) on a fiddle. fiddle a tune. 2. : cheat, swindle.