Tipping off Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈtɪpɪŋ ˈɒf/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act of revealing confidential information about an upcoming game, match, or contest, often to gain an unfair advantage.

Etymology

The phrase is believed to have originated in the world of sports, particularly basketball, where it is credited to a referee, Norm Drucker, in the 1960s.

Usage Notes

In informal settings, particularly in sports and games, “tipping off” is often used to describe the act of revealing secrets or leaks that can affect the outcome of an event.

Cultural References

A popular episode of the TV show “The Simpsons” features Bart Simpson being accused of “tipping off” his friends about a surprise party.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Giveaway
• Tell-tale sign

Related Words or Phrases

• Whistleblower
• Leak

Collocations

• Tipping off the other team
• Get tipped off

Frequency of Use

The phrase “tipping off” is relatively common in informal conversation, particularly in sports and gaming communities.

Common Misspellings

• Tiping off
• Tippingup