tittle-tattle

American  

[tit-l-tat-l] / ˈtɪt lˌtæt l /

noun

1. gossip or foolish chatter.

---

verb (used without object)

tittle-tattled, tittle-tattling

1. to gossip or chatter.

tittle-tattle British  

noun

1. idle chat or gossip

---

verb

1. (intr) to chatter or gossip

Other Word Forms

• tittle-tattler
  noun

Etymology

Origin of tittle-tattle

First recorded in 1520–30; gradational compound based on tittle to whisper, gossip

Explanation

School children often engage in tittle-tattle about their classmates, sharing rumors and gossip while socializing during lunch and recess. Tittle-tattle refers to light gossip or idle chatter. It can be used as a noun to describe the content of the gossip, and it can be used as a verb to describe the act of engaging in it. While usually harmless, too much tittle-tattle can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or the spread of minor rumors.

Example Sentences

To some extent he was cheered up by a letter from the editor of that lively and not too finicky publication, Tittle-Tattle.

From Success A Novel by Adams, Samuel Hopkins

Is Tittle-Tattle, or Rumour, or Mischief Maker, or Slanderer, or Blabber in this company, who will make capital out of what I say?”

From Talkers With Illustrations by Bate, John

Then gossips all a warning take, Pray cease your tongue to rattle; Go knit, and sew, and brew, and bake, And leave off Tittle-Tattle.

From The Cries of London Exhibiting Several of the Itinerant Traders of Antient and Modern Times by Smith, John Thomas

Then the minister hires me, and I have to stay till Mrs. Tittle-Tattle has time to tell the dominie all the disagreeable things of the parish.

From Around The Tea-Table by Talmage, T. De Witt (Thomas De Witt)