Tousling: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’‡โ€โ™‚๏ธ
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tousling

 

[ หˆtaสŠzlษชล‹ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

physical action

Tousling refers to the act of disheveling or making something untidy, especially hair. When you tousle someone's hair, you often do it playfully or affectionately, creating a messy or wind-swept appearance. This term is commonly used in informal contexts, and it conveys a sense of familiarity and warmth. Tousling can be seen as a playful gesture often associated with children or close friends.

Synonyms

dishevel, mess up, ruffle

Examples of usage

  • She tousled his hair before the photo.
  • The wind tousled her dress as she walked.
  • He tousled the dog's fur affectionately.

Translations

Translations of the word "tousling" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น desordenar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคฟเค—เคพเคกเคผเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช zerzausen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mengacak

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะตะฟะพั€ัะดะพะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nieล‚ad

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไนฑใ™

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉbouriffer

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ despeinar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท daฤŸฤฑtmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ—ํด์–ด์ง€๊ฒŒ ํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ููˆุถู‰

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ rozcuchat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ rozcuchรกvaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅผ„ไนฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ razburiti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ rugga

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑาฑะทัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒ”แƒจแƒšแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qarฤฑลŸdฤฑrmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ despeinar

Etymology

The word 'tousle' originated from the late Middle English 'touslen', a variant of 'tous', which means to pull or drag about. It is thought to be derived from the Old French 'tousser', meaning to cough, as in creating a disturbance or mess. The transition from the idea of disturbance to that of disheveling hair suggests a playful transformation of meaning over time. The verb form emphasizes the action of causing something to become untidy, especially in a charming or affectionate way. Initially popularized in the 19th century, 'tousle' has since taken a more playful connotation in modern vernacular, often depicting endearing interactions, particularly among friends and family.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,581, 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.