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Tittered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tittered

[หˆtษชtษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

laughter, response

To titter involves making a short, quiet laugh, often in a somewhat nervous or suppressed manner. This type of laughter can indicate amusement but may also reflect embarrassment or a desire not to offend. The term is commonly used in social settings where individuals might react lightly to something humorous yet not overtly funny. Tittering can often be associated with situations where individuals feel a mix of enjoyment and caution.

Synonyms

chuckle, giggle, smirk, snicker.

Examples of usage

  • She tittered at the silly joke.
  • The audience tittered nervously during the awkward silence.
  • He couldn't help but titter at the unexpected twist.
  • The children tittered when the clown fell down.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Reference

  • In British culture, 'titter' often connotes a faintly naughty or risquรฉ 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.

Origin of 'tittered'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'titter' originates from the late Middle English term 'titeren', which means to laugh in a subdued manner. It appears to have roots in the Old English word 'tittre', referring to a childlike laugh or giggle. Over time, the verb evolved, maintaining its connotation of soft laughter often associated with giggling or snickering. The usage of 'titter' has been documented in English literature since the 16th century, often reflecting social contexts where propriety dictated a more restrained form of amusement. The term continues to be relevant in modern language, capturing the essence of quiet and often slightly awkward laughter.

Word Frequency Rank

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.