An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Tändelei

by Friedrich Kluge

Tändelei, feminine, ‘toying, trifling, dawdling,’ Modern High German only, is a derivative of Tand (in Middle High German once only tenterîe). In Old High German only a corresponding tantarôn, ‘to be mentally perplexed,’ is recorded. No further light can be thrown on the High German stem tant.