latah

or la·ta

[ lah-tuh ]

noun

1. 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.

latah

/ ˈlɑːtə /

noun

1. a psychological condition, observed esp in Malaysian cultures, in which an individual, after experiencing a shock, becomes anxious and suggestible, often imitating the actions of another person

Word History and Origins

Origin of latah¹

Borrowed into English from Malay around 1880–85

Word History and Origins

Origin of latah¹

C19: from Malay

Example Sentences

The sailor then throws the piece of wood on to the deck, and the latah promptly follows suit with the baby (Guinon).

From Project Gutenberg

I has plowed an' I has sowed, an' latah on I has laid cyahpets, an' I has whitewashed.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

More than one-half of the cereal crop in 1905 was produced in the prairie and plateau region of Nez Perce and Latah counties.

From Project Gutenberg