Tittered: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• Derived from the Middle English word 'titteren', which meant to laugh or giggle.
• The root is likely related to 'twitter', mimicking small, quick sounds, similar to a bird's chirp.

Cultural Reference

• In British culture, 'titter' often connotes a faintly naughty or risqué laughter, commonly used in older comedic contexts.
• Classic literature frequently uses this word to describe the laughter of characters caught in awkward or revealing situations.

Psychology

• Nervous laughter, such as tittering, can serve as a social signal, indicating discomfort or a desire to break tension.
• Adults might engage in this type of laughter when feeling socially awkward or when discussing taboo subjects.

Literature

• Use of 'tittered' appears in various novels to evoke a sense of light-heartedness or to hint at underlying tension in social dynamics.
• Authors often contrast tittering with boisterous laughter to portray character personality or social hierarchies.

Pop Culture

• In comedy genres, characters might titter in response to awkward situations, underlining the humor through subtlety.
• Television shows and movies often depict such laughter to highlight a cringe-worthy moment, eliciting both empathy and humor from the audience.

This word's position of #34,796 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 34793 unshackled
• 34794 evisceration
• 34795 stylishly
• 34796 tittered
• 34797 appositive
• 34798 circumspectly
• 34799 cantering
• ...