Tattletales Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tattletales

[ˈtætlˌteɪlz ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

informing on someone

A person who reveals secrets or informs on others to authorities or people in authority, often in a sneaky or underhanded way. Tattletales are often viewed negatively by others for their actions.

Synonyms

informant, snitch, whistleblower.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tattletales	Typically used to describe children who report on their peers' minor misbehaviors to authority figures, often perceived as annoying or petty. Jimmy is such a tattletale; he always tells the teacher when someone is talking. No one likes a tattletale during recess.
snitch	Often used in a negative sense to describe someone who secretly informs on others, usually seen as a betrayal. Commonly used in the context of criminal activities or informal groups. In prison, being labeled as a snitch can be very dangerous. Nobody trusts Jake anymore because he's known as a snitch.
informant	Usually refers to a person who provides privileged information to authorities, often in the context of investigations or criminal activities. The police relied on their informant to gather crucial evidence. She worked as an informant to help dismantle the drug cartel.
whistleblower	Refers to a person who exposes illegal or unethical activities within an organization, typically seen as a positive and courageous act. The whistleblower revealed the company's environmental violations. She became a whistleblower to expose the corruption within the government.

Examples of usage

He is always running to the teacher with tattletale stories about his classmates.
The tattletale in the office reported every small mistake to the boss.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In popular culture, it often carries negative connotations, making 'tattletale' a label for disloyalty among peers.
Children's stories and cartoons tend to depict tattletales as characters who face social repercussions, teaching themes of honesty and friendship.
The idea of 'tattling' is often discussed in educational settings, encouraging children to discern between sharing important concerns and mere gossip.

Psychology

Tattling can reflect a child's desire for attention or validation, needing others to recognize their moral stance.
Research indicates that children might prioritize social acceptance over loyalty, navigating the complexities of friendships.
Developmentally, a child’s tendency to tattle can decrease as they learn to resolve conflicts independently in later childhood.

Literature

In classic literature, characters labeled as tattletales often serve as plot devices to create conflict and alter relationships.
Many children's books address the theme of honesty versus friendship, often portraying a 'tattletale' as a cautionary tale.
Authors often illustrate the balance of sharing important information while avoiding needless gossip through nuanced characters.

Educational Insights

Educational approaches recommend teaching children the distinction between reporting harmful behaviors and unnecessary gossip.
Role-playing scenarios are used in schools to help children understand the impact of their words and the importance of trust.
Social-emotional learning curriculums often address how tattling affects friendships, encouraging discussions on empathy and communication.

Origin of 'tattletales'

Main points about word origin

The word 'tattletale' combines 'tattle,' which means to gossip or reveal secrets, and 'tale,' meaning a story or account.
Its roots can be traced back to the early 19th century in America, reflecting societal views on honesty and privacy among children.
The term was originally more common in regions of the United States, with specific influence from various dialects.

The term 'tattletale' has its origins in the Middle English word 'tattle', which meant idle talk or chatter. Over time, 'tattletale' came to refer to a person who gossips or reveals secrets to authorities. The negative connotation associated with tattletales has persisted throughout history, often seen as betraying trust or causing trouble within communities.