tickle etymology

Etymology

The word "tickle" derives from the Middle English verb "ticlen," which itself comes from the Old English word "tician," meaning "to touch lightly." The root of the word is the Proto-Germanic word "*tīkōn," which also means "to touch."

Meaning

"Tickle" has several related meanings:

• To cause a tingling or itching sensation on the skin by lightly touching or brushing it.
• To amuse or entertain someone, especially by causing laughter.
• To irritate or provoke someone by causing them to feel discomfort or unease.
• (Archaic) To incite or stir up (a feeling or emotion).

Origin

The origin of the word "tickle" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic language, which was spoken by Germanic peoples in Northern Europe during the Iron Age. The word "tīkōn" was used to describe the sensation of touching something lightly or brushing against it. As Germanic languages evolved, the word "tickle" developed from its Proto-Germanic root.

In Old English, "tician" was used to refer to the sensation of lightly touching or brushing something, as well as to the feeling of amusement or laughter. The word's meaning has since expanded to include the sense of irritation or provocation.

The word "tickle" has been used in English for over a thousand years, and it continues to be a common word today. It is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of sensations and emotions, from pleasure to discomfort.

tickle relate terms

• kittle

  Etymology The word kittle has a complex etymology with multiple origins Old Norse

• tick

  Etymology The word tick comes from the Middle English word tikken meaning to touch

• tick

  Etymology The word tick comes from the Middle English word tikken meaning to touch

• thrill

  Etymology The word thrill is derived from the Old English word þrillan which means

• slap

  Etymology The word slap is believed to have originated from the Middle English word sl

• rickey

  Etymology Derived from the following Germanic elements ric power ruler win fri

• amuse

  Etymology The word amuse comes from the Old French word amuser which means to cause

• midriff

  Etymology Middle English mydref 13th century Old English middref 11th century Pro

• fiddle

  Etymology The word fiddle is derived from the Middle English word fithil which in tu

• stir

  Etymology The word stir originates from the Old English word styrian which means t

• excite

  Etymology Excite comes from the Latin word excitare which means to stir up arouse o

• shake

  Etymology Middle English shaken from Old English sceacan to move to and fro violentl