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Ticklish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ticklish

[หˆtษชk.ษชl.ษชสƒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

physical sensation

Ticklish refers to a sensitivity to light touches that can cause laughter or involuntary movements, often eliciting a giggle or squirm. This sensation can vary greatly among individuals. Some people may be extremely ticklish, while others may be not ticklish at all.

Synonyms

giggly, reactive, sensitive.

Examples of usage

  • He is so ticklish that he can't stand being tickled.
  • The child's laughter revealed how ticklish she was.
  • I discovered my friend's ticklish spots when we were playing.
  • Ticklishness can vary with mood and situation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Ticklishness involves the nervous system reacting to light touches, primarily in sensitive areas like the feet and underarms.
  • Research indicates that laughter from being tickled is a response to a surprise and a way to cope with perceived threats.

Psychology

  • Tickling can create social bonding and is often observed in playful interactions among friends and families.
  • It's thought that humans may be ticklish due to an evolutionary trait, helping to develop social behaviors and defenses.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, tickling is used as a playful activity among children, serving to strengthen social ties.
  • Ticklishness is often depicted in movies and cartoons as a source of humor, highlighting its universality in human experience.

Historical Perspectives

  • Historically, tickling has been part of various cultural rituals and practices, sometimes used in social bonding ceremonies.
  • In ancient times, writings described tickling as a method to induce laughter, seen by some as a form of entertainment.

Origin of 'ticklish'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from the late 17th century, derived from the Middle English โ€˜tickleโ€™, which meant to touch lightly.
  • Early uses of the word included descriptions of both physical sensations and emotional responses, indicating its dual nature.

The word 'ticklish' is derived from the verb 'tickle,' which itself has roots in the late Middle English word 'ticklen.' The term is believed to originate from the Old Norse word 'tikla,' meaning 'to touch lightly' or 'to touch humorously.' The suffix '-ish' is added to form the adjective, indicating a quality of being easily affected or sensitive to being touched. The concept of being ticklish has been prevalent in various cultures, often associated with playfulness and laughter. The association of ticklishness with laughter highlights its social aspects, where physical touch serves as a means of bonding and interaction. Over the centuries, the understanding of ticklishness has evolved, leading to various theories about its psychological and physiological underpinnings.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,808, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.