Ticked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ticked

[tɪkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

marking something

Ticked is the past tense of the verb 'tick', which means to make a small mark against something, typically to indicate that it has been considered or completed. In various contexts, it can refer to checking off items on a list, indicating a selection, or noting that a task has been done. It is often used in administrative and organizational settings where lists or checkboxes are common.

Synonyms

checked, marked, noted.

Examples of usage

  • I ticked all the completed tasks off my list.
  • She ticked the boxes to indicate her preferences.
  • Make sure to tick the items you've reviewed.
  • He ticked 'yes' when asked if he was interested.
Context #2 | Adjective

feeling annoyed

Ticked can also colloquially describe a state of annoyance or anger. When someone says they are 'ticked off', it means they are unhappy or frustrated about something. This usage is informal and is often used in casual conversations. The phrase originated in American English and has become widely recognized.

Synonyms

angry, annoyed, frustrated.

Examples of usage

  • I was really ticked off at the delay.
  • She got ticked when her plans were canceled.
  • He was ticked about the misunderstanding.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In many cartoons and movies, characters often show they have completed tasks by saying 'Done!' and marking it with a tick!
  • The phrase 'ticked off' in pop culture often means feeling annoyed, showing how the word captures a range of emotions.

Psychology

  • Checking off items can provide a sense of accomplishment, boosting motivation and relieving stress.
  • People often use lists as a way to organize thoughts, and marking items as done can help clear the mind.

Education

  • Teachers often encourage students to make checklists for homework, emphasizing the satisfaction of ticking off completed tasks.
  • Using a tick system can enhance learning by helping students feel their progress more tangibly.

Technology

  • In digital interfaces and apps, a 'tick' mark is commonly used to signify that a task or requirement has been completed.
  • Online platforms often use checkmarks to show completed assignments, making it easier to track progress.

Origin of 'ticked'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'ticked' comes from the verb 'tick', which means to make a small sound like a clock or to check something off.
  • It originated in the early 1800s, when it started being used to describe checking items off lists or marking something complete.

The term 'tick' derives from the late Middle English word 'tikken', which is of uncertain origin but is believed to be imitative of the sound of a small mark being made or a light ticking sound. The verb 'tick' has evolved in English to encompass a variety of meanings, notably associated with marking items, as one might do with a checklist. The use of 'tick' in a colloquial sense to indicate annoyance or anger seems to have surfaced in the 20th century, particularly in American slang. The word has thus expanded from its original, more literal interpretations to capture emotional states in informal conversation.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,497, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.