tick tock etymology

Etymology

• "Tick-tock" is an onomatopoeia, mimicking the sound made by a clock.

Meaning

• The rhythmic, repetitive sound made by a clock or watch, usually in a two-beat pattern.
• Fig. (informal) Time passing; the passage of time.

Origin

• The earliest known use of "tick-tock" in reference to a clock appeared in the early 1600s.
• It is believed to be derived from the sound of mechanical clocks, which used a pendulum to regulate their movement.
• The pendulum swung back and forth, creating a rhythmic "tick" and "tock" sound.
• Over time, the term "tick-tock" became synonymous with the passage of time and the sound of clocks and watches.

tick tock relate terms

• 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

• tick tock

  Etymology Tick tock is an onomatopoeia mimicking the sound made by a clock Meaning

• tick

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

• tick tack toe

  Etymology Ticktacktoe is derived from the following words Tick tack A repetitive

• tick tock

  Etymology Tick tock is an onomatopoeia mimicking the sound made by a clock Meaning