Tattle: meaning, definitions and examples

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tattle

 

[ หˆtรฆtl ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

informal reporting

To tattle means to inform on someone, especially to a parent or authority figure, often regarding minor misdeeds. It typically implies a sense of betrayal or gossip, often used in the context of children reporting each other to adults.

Synonyms

betray, inform, snitch

Examples of usage

  • He tattled on his friend for not sharing toys.
  • She always tattles when someone breaks the rules.
  • Don't tattle unless it's really important.
Context #2 | Noun

informing act

A tattle refers to the act of informing on someone or a report made to an authority about someone else's behavior. It often carries a negative connotation associated with childish behavior.

Synonyms

report, squeal, whistleblowing

Examples of usage

  • Her tattle during recess caused a lot of trouble.
  • He got in trouble for making a tattle.
  • Tattles can escalate conflicts among friends.

Translations

Translations of the word "tattle" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น falar mal

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคพเคค เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช tratschen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ berita

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะปั–ั‚ะบัƒะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ plotkowaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใŠใ—ใ‚ƒในใ‚Šใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท jaser

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ chismear

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dedikodu yapmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์žก๋‹ดํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุซุฑุซุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ drbat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ drbnรบลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้—ฒ่Š

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ klevetati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ tala um fรณlk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะฐา“ั‹ะผะดะฐะฝัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒฃแƒ–แƒฆแƒšแƒฃแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dedikodu etmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ chismear

Word origin

The word 'tattle' originates from the early 16th century, derived from the Middle English word 'tattlen', which means to prattle or to talk excessively. It is thought to be imitative in origin, conveying the idea of light, trivial talk. The term has evolved over the centuries to be explicitly associated with children reporting on each other, often in a school environment. Its usage implies a lack of seriousness regarding the reported actions, suggesting that the act of tattling is more about seeking attention or causing trouble than addressing real issues. By the late 19th century, 'tattle' became firmly rooted in American English, especially within the context of children's behavior, and it remains a colloquial way to describe the act of informing on others in a petty or spiteful manner.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,108 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.