Totting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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totting

[ˈtɒtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

informal usage

Totting refers to the act of accumulating or gathering something, often in a casual or informal manner. It can also imply counting, particularly in a way that suggests ease or recklessness.

Synonyms

counting, reckoning, tallying.

Examples of usage

  • She spent the afternoon totting up her expenses.
  • After totting the scores, he realized he had won.
  • I love totting little treasures I find at flea markets.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Usage

  • 'Toting' often appears in discussions about hauling items, especially in rural contexts like farming or camping.
  • 'Tote bags' have become popular in fashion and everyday life, emphasizing the practicality and aesthetic of carrying items.
  • The concept of 'toting' things around is often associated with a casual, everyday lifestyle where convenience is key.

Literature

  • Characters in children's books often tote around magical items, illustrating the joy of carrying things with adventure.
  • In many storylines, the act of totting symbolizes baggage or emotional weight, portraying characters in a relatable manner.
  • Poets have used 'totting' as a metaphor for life's burdens, conveying deeper meanings through simple actions.

Psychology

  • The act of toting can symbolize responsibility in everyday life, reflecting how we carry our own emotional and physical 'loads'.
  • Carrying items can affect our mood; for instance, heavy burdens may lead to feelings of stress, while lighter loads can create a sense of freedom.
  • Engaging in physical activities that involve totting can promote well-being, as it often combines movement with purpose.

Art

  • In visual art, totting might be depicted to show everyday life, capturing the essence of human activity and labor.
  • Artists often explore the theme of carrying in their work to explore concepts of weight, balance, and human relationships.
  • Folk art frequently portrays scenes of people totting items, celebrating cultural practices and community life.

Origin of 'totting'

Main points about word origin

  • The term may come from the Middle English word 'tote', meaning to carry.
  • In some dialects, 'tot' can refer to a small child or something small, emphasizing the action of carrying something that is manageable.
  • The word has evolved over time, often indicating the movement of items rather than just carrying them.

The term 'totting' originates from the verb 'to tot', which dates back to the 19th century. Its roots can be traced to the old English word 'tote', meaning to carry or to bring. Over time, 'to tot' evolved to mean to calculate or to accumulate, particularly in a somewhat casual or informal context. The informal nature of the usage reflects a sense of ease, often associated with the communal or social aspects of counting or gathering. As it became popular in various contexts, it also embraced a broader meaning, illustrating the connection between action and outcome. Today, 'totting' is frequently used in everyday language, particularly in financial contexts and informal conversations.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,371, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.