What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fiddly
Example
The jewelry-making kit came with fiddly little beads that were hard to thread. [fiddly: adjective]
Example
I find it fiddly to type on a smartphone keyboard because the buttons are so small. [fiddly: adjective]
tricky
Example
It can be tricky to negotiate a good price for a used car. [tricky: adjective]
Example
Solving this puzzle is going to be tricky, but I think we can do it. [tricky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tricky is more commonly used than fiddly in everyday language, especially in American English. Fiddly is more common in British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fiddly and tricky?
Both fiddly and tricky are informal words, but tricky can be used in more formal contexts than fiddly due to its broader range of meanings.
