tickler
UK: ˈtɪklə | US: ˈtɪklər
n. 1. A person or thing that tickles.
n. 2. A reminder or memo, especially a file or system for tracking tasks.
n. 3. (Informal) A light, amusing stimulus or diversion.
The word "tickler" derives from the verb "tickle," which originated from Middle English tikelen, likely imitative of light, repetitive touching. The suffix "-er" denotes an agent or tool, transforming the action into a noun for someone/something that performs it. Over time, "tickler" expanded metaphorically to describe reminders (e.g., a "tickler file" gently nudges memory).
The feather was a perfect tickler, making the baby laugh uncontrollably.
She kept a digital tickler to manage her deadlines efficiently.
His jokes acted as a mental tickler, lightening the mood.
The comedian was a master tickler, always provoking giggles.
The old-fashioned tickler system used index cards to track appointments.