Tattle

Origin

Likely akin to M.Du., M.L.G., E.Fris. tateren - "to chatter, babble", possibly of imitative origin. Attested in 1481, in William Caxton's translation of "Reynard" in the sense "to stutter", probably borrowed from .

Full definition of tattle

Verb

1. (to report others' wrongdoings or violations)(intransitive, pejorative) To report others' wrongdoings or violations; to tell on somebody; to gossip or to disclose incriminating information.
2. (intransitive) To chatter.
• 1599, William Shakespeare, ,BEATRICE. He were an excellent man that were made just in the mid-way between him and Benedick: the one is too like an image, and says nothing; and the other too like my lady's eldest son, evermore tattling.
• Drydenthe tattling quality of age, which is always narrative

Synonyms

• blow the whistle, rat on, sing, snitch, squeal
• gossip; see also

Noun

1. A tattletale.
2. Gossip; idle talk.

Related terms

• tattletale