tattle etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English tatelen, from Old English tatol, meaning "to grope, fumble, handle."
• From Proto-Germanic tatoljanan, related to Old Norse *tatta ("to touch, feel") and English touch.
• Ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *tep-, meaning "to touch."

Meaning:

• To inform on someone for a minor offense or infraction, especially in a malicious or petty manner.
• To gossip or spread rumors about someone's private affairs.

Origin:

The word "tattle" originated in the late 14th century, originally referring to the act of groping or fumbling with something. By the 16th century, it had evolved to mean "to whisper secrets" or "to betray someone's confidence." In the 18th century, it took on its current meaning of "to inform on someone for a minor offense."

The word is often used in a derogatory sense, implying that the person is being petty or vindictive. It can also be used humorously to describe someone who is gossiping or spreading rumors.

tattle relate terms

• tattletale

  Etymology Mid 16th century from tattle to talk idly tale a story

• tattle

  Etymology Middle English tatelen from Old English tatol meaning to grope fumble ha

• tale

  Etymology The word tale comes from the Middle English word tale which is derived fro

• talk

  Etymology Talk derives from the Middle English word talen which itself originates fr

• blab

  Etymology The word blab originated from Middle English blabben meaning to talk idl

• peach

  Etymology The word peach comes from the Old French word pesche which in turn derives

• higgledy piggledy

  Etymology The origin of higgledypiggledy is uncertain but there are several theories

• mouth

  Etymology The word mouth comes from the Old English word mūþ which is believed to

• speak

  Etymology The word speak originates from the Old English word specan which means to

• ratchet

  Etymology The word ratchet originates from Old French rachete meaning a catch or de

• chatter

  Etymology Middle English chatter from Old English cæterian meaning to talk rapi

• sign

  Etymology The word sign comes from the Latin word signum which means mark token o

• sing

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It examines the