Tickling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tickling
[ˈtɪklɪŋ ]
Definitions
funny
The act of lightly touching someone's skin to cause laughter or twitching movements.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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tickling |
Tickling refers to the act of lightly touching someone in a way that makes them laugh or feel uneasy. It is most often used in playful contexts, such as when children are playing together.
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giggling |
Giggling is the act of laughing in a quiet, often childlike way. This word is suitable for describing situations where someone is laughing softly and uncontrollably, usually because they are amused or slightly embarrassed.
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twitching |
Twitching refers to small, involuntary movements or spasms of the muscles. This word is often used in medical or casual contexts to describe physical reactions that are usually brief and repetitive.
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tickle |
Tickle can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it describes the action of touching someone in a way that makes them laugh. As a noun, it describes the sensation one feels when this happens. It is usually used in informal or playful contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She couldn't stop giggling from the tickling.
- Tickling is a common form of playful interaction between friends and family.
sensation
A tingling sensation caused by light touches on the skin.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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tickling |
Use this word to describe a light, gentle sensation that makes you want to laugh or scratch. It's often caused by light touches.
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tingling |
Use this word to describe a slight stinging or prickling sensation similar to numbness, often felt in the extremities.
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itching |
This word is used when describing an uncomfortable sensation on the skin that makes you want to scratch. It can be caused by allergies, bites, or skin conditions.
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prickling |
This word refers to a sharp, stinging sensation, almost like being poked with tiny needles. It can be caused by cold, anxiety, or pressure on nerves.
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Examples of usage
- The tickling feeling on my arm made me shiver.
- The tickling sensation was both pleasurable and uncomfortable.
action
To touch or prod a part of the body lightly, causing laughter or twitching.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
tickling |
Similar to the previous 'tickling', this can refer to the feeling or act of touching someone lightly to make them laugh.
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tickle |
Similar to 'tickling', 'tickle' is appropriate for the action of making someone laugh by touching them lightly. It is also used to describe a light, tingling sensation.
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tease |
This word is best used when someone is playfully making fun of another person, often with the aim of getting a reaction. It can be light-hearted or mean-spirited depending on the intention.
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prod |
This word is suitable for situations where a gentle poke or push is meant to get someone's attention or encourage them to take action. It may have a slight negative connotation depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- Stop tickling me, it's too much!
- She enjoys tickling her younger siblings to make them laugh.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Tickling is linked to social bonding, often seen in playful interactions between parents and children.
- It can evoke laughter even if a person is not truly ticklish, showing the power of anticipation and unexpected touch.
Science
- Tickling responses can trigger the body's fight-or-flight reaction due to unexpected sensations.
- Studies indicate that tickling activates areas in the brain associated with social behavior and emotional response.
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, tickling is often used as a playful interaction among friends, families, and children.
- Many children's games incorporate tickling as a way to promote laughter and playfulness.
Pop Culture
- Tickling has appeared in many comedic scenes in movies, often leading to hilarious moments between characters.
- Famous comedians often use tickling as a gag, knowing it evokes laughter and engagement from audiences.
Origin of 'tickling'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'tickle' originated from the Middle English 'tiklen,' which means to touch lightly.
- It has roots in Old Norse 'tekla,' meaning to 'touch' or 'pluck'.
The word 'tickling' originated from the Middle English word 'tekelinge', which is related to the Old English word 'ticelian' meaning 'to touch lightly'. Tickling has been recognized as a form of social bonding and playful interaction across various cultures throughout history.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #23,815, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 23812 sported
- 23813 legitimize
- 23814 aerodrome
- 23815 tickling
- 23816 pronominal
- 23817 tirelessly
- 23818 insinuation
- ...