faff

The story

Originally imitative of wind or puffs of air (see verb senses "to blow in puffs", "to move with a puff of air"). The noun is formed from the verb by conversion.

First known use, by meaning

• from 20th century An overcomplicated task, especially one perceived as a waste of time.
• from 1880s A state of confused or frantic activity.
• 19th century A puff of smoke; a gust of wind.
• from 18th century To blow in puffs, blow gently.
• from 19th century To move (something) with a puff of air, to blow away.
• from 19th century To waste time on an unproductive activity.