Ticklish: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

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

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.

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

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