Pronunciation: [tˈatə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "tattle", meaning to reveal or gossip, is spelled with the letters T-A-T-T-L-E. It is pronounced /ˈtætl̩/, with a short "a" sound and a muted "l" at the end. The IPA phonetic transcription is ˈtætl̩, with the "l" being represented by the symbol "̩". This spelling of the word has remained consistent over time and can be traced back to the Middle English word "tatelen", meaning to chatter or babble.
Tattle, generally used as a verb, refers to the act of revealing or disclosing information, especially of a personal or confidential nature, to others. It involves talking or gossiping about someone's actions, behavior, or secrets, often with the intention of causing harm, creating trouble, or gaining attention. Tattling typically involves spreading information without the consent or knowledge of the person being talked about, and can range from trivial matters to more serious issues.
In a more negative sense, tattling is often associated with malicious gossip or meddling in others' affairs, wherein the intention is to sow discord, damage reputations, or incite conflict. It is important to note that tattling does not involve reporting harmful or dangerous behavior for the purpose of safeguarding others, which is generally seen as responsible and ethical behavior.
The term "tattle" can also be used as a noun, referring to a person who habitually engages in gossip or divulges others' secrets. This individual is often seen as untrustworthy, meddlesome, or someone who derives pleasure from causing trouble or drama.
In summary, the act of tattling entails revealing information about others, often with negative intentions or without their consent, while the term "tattle" can also describe someone who frequently engages in such behavior.
• Idle trifling talk.
• To talk idly; to tell or communicate trifling idle stories; to speak much with little meaning.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "tattle" originated from Middle English "tatelen", which in turn derived from Old English "tætlan" or "taetlan". These Old English words referred to idle talking or babbling, and they were likely influenced by the Old Norse word "tatla", meaning to prattle or chatter. The term "tattle" has been used since the 14th century in English to denote the act of gossiping or revealing secrets.
