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Tattletale Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tattletale

[หˆtรฆtษ™lหŒteษชl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A person, especially a child, who reveals secrets or informs on others; a telltale.

Synonyms

informant, snitch, traitor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tattletale

Typically used among children to describe someone who tells on others, usually to authority figures like teachers or parents.

  • Sarah didn't like being called a tattletale by her classmates
snitch

Often used in a negative way to describe someone who secretly informs on others, especially in the context of crime and gangs.

  • Nobody wanted to be friends with a snitch in the neighborhood
informant

Commonly used in legal or investigative settings to describe someone who provides information, often secretly, to authorities about illegal activities.

  • The police relied on an informant to crack the case
traitor

Used to describe someone who betrays their country, friends, or a group they belong to, generally in very serious situations.

  • He was branded a traitor for leaking government secrets

Examples of usage

  • He was labeled a tattletale by his classmates.
  • The tattletale ran to the teacher to report the incident.
Context #2 | Noun

object

An object, such as a knickknack or ornament, that is used to reveal the presence of an intruder.

Synonyms

alarm, detector.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tattletale

This word is commonly used to describe someone, especially a child, who tells on others, often causing trouble for them. It has a negative connotation.

  • Jeremy was known as the class tattletale, always running to the teacher whenever someone broke the rules.
  • Nobody likes a tattletale, so it's better to solve small problems between friends without involving an adult.
alarm

This word is used to describe a device or a system that signals a warning or alerts people to danger, such as a fire alarm or an alarm clock.

  • The fire alarm went off in the middle of the night, waking everyone in the building.
  • She set her alarm for 6 AM to make sure she would wake up early for her flight.
detector

This word refers to devices designed to discover or identify specific substances or conditions, such as a smoke detector or a metal detector.

  • Every home should have a smoke detector to warn people in case of fire.
  • At the entrance of the museum, visitors must pass through a metal detector for security reasons.

Examples of usage

  • The tattletale alarm went off as soon as someone entered the room.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Childhood & Education

  • In schools, 'tattling' can create a tension between kids, as they weigh friendships against the desire to report misbehavior.
  • Many educators encourage children to distinguish between 'tattling' (to get someone in trouble) and reporting (to ensure safety).

Pop Culture

  • In various movies and TV shows, characters labeled as tattletales often face social consequences, reflecting the stigma around the behavior.
  • Popular childrenโ€™s literature often presents tattling as a negative trait, encouraging themes of loyalty and friendship.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that tattling can be a form of social communication among children, signaling norms and boundaries within groups.
  • Some psychologists argue that tattling can stem from a child's desire to maintain fairness and justice in social interactions.

Literature

  • Classic children's books often depict a 'tattletale' character who finds themselves isolated by peers, teaching lessons about honesty and trust.
  • Modern literature sometimes embraces the complexity of tattling by showing the emotional struggles of those who report wrongdoing.

Origin of 'tattletale'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tattletale' combines 'tattle', which means to tell tales about someone, and 'tale', a story.
  • Its origins date back to the early 19th century, first appearing in the United States around the 1830s.

The term 'tattletale' originated in the 19th century and is a combination of 'tattle', meaning to report others' misdeeds, and 'tale', meaning a story or narrative. It is often used in a derogatory manner to describe someone who informs on others or reveals secrets.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,791, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.