tattle









tattle


verb (used without object), tat·tled, tat·tling.

  1. to let out secrets.
  2. to chatter, prate, or gossip.

verb (used with object), tat·tled, tat·tling.

  1. to utter idly; disclose by gossiping.

noun

  1. the act of tattling.
  2. idle talk; chatter; gossip.

verb

  1. (intr) to gossip about another’s personal matters or secrets
  2. (tr) to reveal by gossipingto tattle a person’s secrets
  3. (intr) to talk idly; chat

noun

  1. the act or an instance of tattling
  2. a scandalmonger or gossip

v.late 15c., “to stammer, prattle,” in Caxton’s translation of “Reynard the Fox,” probably from Middle Flemish tatelen “to stutter,” parallel to Middle Dutch, Middle Low German, East Frisian tateren “to chatter, babble,” possibly of imitative origin. The meaning “tell tales or secrets” is first recorded 1580s. Sense influenced by tittle. Related: Tattled; tattling.

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