tattletale

American  

[tat-l-teyl] / ˈtæt lˌteɪl /

noun

1. a talebearer or informer, especially among children.

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adjective

1. telltale; revealing.

   a tattletale smear of lipstick on his collar.

tattletale British  

/ ˈtætəlˌteɪl /

noun

1. a scandalmonger or gossip

2. another word for telltale

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Etymology

Origin of tattletale

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; tattle + tale

Explanation

A tattletale is a person who tries to get someone in trouble by revealing secret information about them. Your tattletale brother will probably tell your parents that you were actually at the movies, not the library. The word tattletale is mostly used in the U.S. (in Britain it's more common to use telltale). It comes from the verb tattle, "report someone's wrongdoing." In the 16th century, you'd have called a tattletale a pickthank. These days, you can also use words like snitch or whistle-blower.

Example Sentences

Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, adapted by Allison Gregory from the book by Barbara Park, in which first-grader Junie faces Tattletale May, perhaps endangering the holiday singalong.

From Washington Post • Nov. 19, 2015

Junie is tempted to use the gift-giving occasion for a bit of revenge on her nemesis, Tattletale May, but you can bet that some holiday wisdom will be imparted before the show’s end.

From New York Times • Dec. 19, 2014

Bypass a Tattletale Last month, I was fired when a colleague turned me in to our manager for doing personal work on company time.

From New York Times • May 5, 2011

It's as if the Pullman Police Department is reacting to every tip from every Tom, Dick and Tattletale that has a grudge against a player.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2011

“Little Miss Tattletale here was going to call Mamá,” Delia hissed through clenched teeth.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall