Why Is It Called Petered out?

1846 US miners' slang, from 1812 peter (“to become exhausted”). Various speculative etymologies have been suggested, either from St. Peter (from the sense of “rock”), French péter (“to fart”), or saltpeter (ingredient in gunpowder, hence used in mining).

What does petered out mean?

: to gradually become smaller, weaker, or less before stopping or ending Their romantic relationship petered out after the summer.

What is meaning of petered?

to diminish gradually and stop; dwindle to nothing; gradually come to an end (usually followed by out or away): The criticism seems to have petered out. The hearings petered to an inevitable conclusion.