latah
or la·ta
[lah-tuh]
|
noun
a pattern of neurotic behavior, usually induced by a startle, first discovered in Malaya, and characterized by the compulsive imitation of the actions and words of others.
Origin of latah
Borrowed into English from Malay around 1880–85
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for latah
Historical Examples of latah
More than one-half of the cereal crop in 1905 was produced in the prairie and plateau region of Nez Perce and Latah counties.
I'll go if you wish it; though I tell you again, you're backing the wrong man, and soonah or latah you'll discover it.
Miss Cayley's AdventuresGrant Allen
In point of fact, I don't mind telling yah, I back myself still for a couple of thou' soonah or latah to marry yah.
Miss Cayley's AdventuresGrant Allen
The sailor then throws the piece of wood on to the deck, and the latah promptly follows suit with the baby (Guinon).
Tics and Their TreatmentHenry Meigne
I has plowed an' I has sowed, an' latah on I has laid cyahpets, an' I has whitewashed.
The Strength of Gideon and Other StoriesPaul Laurence Dunbar
latah
noun
Word Origin for latah
C19: from Malay
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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latah
[lä′tə]
n.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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