tit

UK: tɪt | US: tɪt

Definition

  1. n. 1. (informal, often vulgar) A woman's breast.

  2. n. 2. (British slang) A foolish or contemptible person.

  3. n. 3. (ornithology) A small bird of the family Paridae, e.g., the blue tit.

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "tit" has multiple distinct origins:

  1. For the slang meaning "breast," it likely arose as a diminutive or playful alteration of "teat" (Old English titt, from Proto-Germanic titta).
  2. The derogatory sense ("foolish person") may derive from the bird name, implying insignificance or triviality.
  3. The ornithological term traces back to Old Norse titr (small bird), reflecting its Germanic roots.
Examples

  1. The baby clung to its mother’s tit for nourishment.

  2. (Slang) Don’t be such a tit—think before you act!

  3. A blue tit perched on the garden feeder, pecking at seeds.

  4. (Vulgar) The painting depicted a nude with exposed tits.

  5. Tits are common visitors to backyard bird feeders in Europe.