What did Catullus mean by calling some of his short poems nugae?

The Roman poet Catullus referred to his short poems as nugae, which translates to "trifles".1

By labeling these works as trifles, Catullus was not necessarily devaluing his craft; rather, he was aligning himself with the aesthetic values of the neoteros (or "new poets"). This group sought to move away from the traditional, grand, and didactic epic poetry of the Roman past, such as that of Ennius. Instead, they championed a style characterized by meticulous refinement, sophisticated self-expression, and a focus on "art for art's sake".23

These nugae were diverse in nature, ranging from tender love lyrics and personal reflections to biting invective and lampoons. By using meters traditionally associated with light verse—such as the hendecasyllable—for serious or intimate subjects, Catullus demonstrated the innovative and experimental spirit of his circle, prioritizing polished, scholarly craftsmanship over the heavy, patriotic themes of earlier Latin literature.132