Tattletale
noun
A person, especially a child, who informs on someone else, often to gain favor from an authority figure.
She was called a tattletale for telling the teacher that her classmates were misbehaving.
Usage tips
Informal
be a tattletale,call someone a tattletale,tattletale on somebody
noun
A person, especially a child, who informs on someone else, often to gain favor from an authority figure.
She was called a tattletale for telling the teacher that her classmates were misbehaving.
Usage tips
Informal
be a tattletale,call someone a tattletale,tattletale on somebody
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Connotation
The word 'tattletale' often has negative connotations, implying that the person is petty or trying to gain attention.
Be careful when using this term in serious situations, as it can come across as judgmental.
Pro Tip 2/3Situational Usage
It is commonly used in school settings where children feel pressured to report on their peers.
Context can change interpretation; what is 'telling' in one context may be seen as loyalty in another.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Different cultures have varying views on tattling, with some encouraging openness about wrongdoings.
Awareness of cultural differences can guide your discussions about reporting behaviors.
Pro Tip 1/3Connotation
The word 'tattletale' often has negative connotations, implying that the person is petty or trying to gain attention.
Be careful when using this term in serious situations, as it can come across as judgmental.
Pro Tip 2/3Situational Usage
It is commonly used in school settings where children feel pressured to report on their peers.
Context can change interpretation; what is 'telling' in one context may be seen as loyalty in another.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Different cultures have varying views on tattling, with some encouraging openness about wrongdoings.
Awareness of cultural differences can guide your discussions about reporting behaviors.
Pro Tip 1/3Connotation
The word 'tattletale' often has negative connotations, implying that the person is petty or trying to gain attention.
Be careful when using this term in serious situations, as it can come across as judgmental.
Pro Tip 2/3Situational Usage
It is commonly used in school settings where children feel pressured to report on their peers.
Context can change interpretation; what is 'telling' in one context may be seen as loyalty in another.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Different cultures have varying views on tattling, with some encouraging openness about wrongdoings.
Awareness of cultural differences can guide your discussions about reporting behaviors.
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