Titbit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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titbit
[ˈtɪt.bɪt ]
Definition
small addition
A titbit is a small piece of information or a delicacy, often used in a journalistic or conversational context. It can refer to interesting or entertaining details about a particular subject or event. In culinary terms, it denotes a small tasty morsel or delicacy. The term is often informal and is used to express that the information or the food, while small, is still of significant interest or quality.
Synonyms
bite, delicacy, morsel, nugget, snippet.
Examples of usage
- She shared a titbit about the celebrity's latest movie.
- He enjoyed a titbit of chocolate after dinner.
- The news article provided a titbit of gossip.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Culinary Use
- In cooking, it often refers to small bites, like hors d'oeuvres, served at social gatherings.
- Desserts known as 'titbits' can include bite-sized snacks like chocolates or mini pastries, designed for easy sharing.
- Gourmet restaurants may serve 'tasting menus' featuring eclectic titbits of different flavors, allowing diners to sample small portions of several dishes.
Pop Culture
- In journalism, a 'titbit' often refers to gossip or juicy news, intriguing readers and increasing the appeal of a story.
- Television shows often include trivia titbits during episodes to engage audiences by providing fun facts related to the content.
- Popular magazines frequently feature 'celebrity titbits', which are small entertaining pieces about famous personalities, helping to sell more copies.
Psychology
- Research suggests that small pieces of information can be more memorable as they intrigue the mind, leading to curiosity.
- The human brain tends to seek out 'titbits' of information to satisfy a desire for social connection through stories and shared experiences.
- Psychological studies indicate that sharing curious or surprising titbits can enhance interpersonal relationships through increased engagement.
Origin of 'titbit'
Main points about word origin
- The word originated from the early English 'tidbit' meaning 'small or delicate item', evolving through different spellings over centuries.
- The 'tit' component of the word indicates something small or delicate, often akin to the smaller birds known as titmice.
- The 'bit' part suggests a small amount, connecting to how the term is used to refer to little tasty morsels or snippets of information.
The word 'titbit' originated from the late 19th century in British English, derived from combining the word 'tit' (which is a term of endearment) and 'bit', referring to a small piece. The term is thought to have been influenced by the dialectical use of 'tit' in various regional English languages. Initially, 'titbit' referred mainly to small pieces of food and slowly extended its meaning to include small pieces of information or gossip. Over the years, the word has remained common in informal contexts, often used to evoke a sense of charm or a light-hearted feel to the information being shared.