Tattle: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ถ
tattle
[ หtรฆtl ]
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
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.
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:
๐ต๐น falar mal
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเคพเคค เคเคฐเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช tratschen
๐ฎ๐ฉ berita
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะปััะบัะฒะฐัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ plotkowaฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใในใใใ
๐ซ๐ท jaser
๐ช๐ธ chismear
๐น๐ท dedikodu yapmak
๐ฐ๐ท ์ก๋ดํ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุซุฑุซุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ drbat
๐ธ๐ฐ drbnรบลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ้ฒ่
๐ธ๐ฎ klevetati
๐ฎ๐ธ tala um fรณlk
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฐาัะผะดะฐะฝั
๐ฌ๐ช แแฃแแฆแแฃแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ dedikodu etmษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.