Tattletale Meaning and Definition
Tattletale
Pronunciation
/tætˈtɛtəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who tells secrets or faults of others, often without permission or to harm the person’s reputation.
Examples
- The tattletale told the teacher about the students’ gossiping.
- She got tired of being a tattletale and stopped snitching on her friends.
Synonyms
- Informer
- Rat
Antonyms
- Confidant
- Secret-keeper
Etymology
From Old French “tatteler”, from “tatten”, meaning “to chatter” or “to gossip”, and the suffix “-tale”, indicating a person.
Usage Notes
When referring to someone who consistently tells secrets or faults, use the noun “tattletale”.
Cultural References
The term “tattletale” has been used in various forms of media, such as in movies, television shows, and literature.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Snitching” is a colloquial phrase that refers to telling on someone, often in an informal or insensitive way.
Related Words or Phrases
Snitch, informer, gossip, blabber.
Collocations
Tattletale and traitor are often used together to emphasize the negative impact of telling secrets.
Frequency of Use
The term “tattletale” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in informal settings and among children.
Common Misspellings
Tetletale, Tattlelee, Talletale.