tattletale
|tat-tle-tale|
B2
/ˈtætəlˌteɪl/
revealing secrets
Etymology
Etymology Information
'tattletale' originates from the combination of 'tattle' and 'tale', where 'tattle' meant 'to chatter or gossip' and 'tale' meant 'story or account'.
Historical Evolution
'tattle' changed from the Middle English word 'tatel', and 'tale' from the Old English 'talu', eventually forming the modern English word 'tattletale'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to tell tales or gossip', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who reveals secrets'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person, especially a child, who reveals secrets or informs on others; a telltale.
The teacher told the class not to be a tattletale.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42