Tot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tot
[tÉ’t ]
Definitions
slang term
The term 'tot' is often used informally to refer to a small child or toddler. It can also denote a small amount of something, especially when measuring liquids or spirits.
Synonyms
drink, little one, sipper, toddler.
Examples of usage
- Look at that little tot playing in the park.
- He poured a tot of whiskey into the glass.
- She brought her tot to the playground.
- The tot laughed joyfully at the clown.
to count
To 'tot' something is to add it up or count it, particularly in reference to sums of money or numbers. This usage is less common but still recognized.
Synonyms
add up, calculate, sum, total.
Examples of usage
- He needs to tot up the expenses before the meeting.
- I will tot the total amount due by Friday.
- Make sure to tot your scores after the game.
- She toted her tips at the end of the shift.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'tot'
The word 'tot' has its origins in the late 19th century and is believed to stem from the word 'toddler', which is derived from children's early attempts to walk. The playful nature of the term 'tot' reflects a certain affection that adults have for small children, embodying the cuteness and innocence associated with early childhood. Moreover, the use of 'tot' in the context of measurement is derived from colloquial Scottish English, where it was used to denote a quantity of liquid, especially spirits. The dual meaning has allowed 'tot' to persist in modern vernacular, used affectionately for children and in informal contexts of counting and measuring.