Faff

To behave in a confused, unproductive and disorganised manner dates from the 1980s and its origin is unknown although there is the word faffle listed in the OED which means to flap idly in the wind, as of a sail, and dates from the late 1500s. To be or get in a flap seems to mean much the same thing as faff but quite why faff suddenly makes an appearance during the 1980s remains a mystery.