How Do You Spell TELL TALE?

Pronunciation: [tˈɛl tˈe͡ɪl] (IPA)

The word "tell tale" is spelled with a double "l" to indicate the separate sounds of the two "l's." In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /tɛl teɪl/. The first "l" is represented by the symbol /l/ and the second "l" is represented by the sequence /teɪl/, which indicates the two distinct sounds. This spelling helps to clarify the meaning of the compound word, which refers to something that reveals information or gives away a secret.

TELL TALE Meaning and Definition

1. "Tell tale" is an idiomatic expression that can be used as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it is used to describe something or someone that indicates or reveals information or secrets, often unintentionally. It typically implies that the mentioned characteristic serves as evidence or a warning sign of a particular situation or behavior.

   As a noun, a "tell tale" refers to a person or thing that reveals information, often against the intention of the person involved. This could be a revealing action, gesture, or trait that exposes something that is meant to be concealed or kept secret.

   The term "tell tale" derives from storytelling, where characters or objects often bear certain physical or behavioral traits to communicate aspects of their personalities or actions. By extension, the term implies the existence of a conspicuous or noticeable trait that provides insight into a situation or a person's true nature.

   For example, a person's nervous laughter during a serious conversation can be a tell tale sign of their discomfort or lack of confidence. In a criminal investigation, bloodstains or fingerprints left at the scene of the crime can act as tell tale evidence that helps detectives uncover the truth.

   Overall, "tell tale" refers to anything that provides a clear indication or warning about a situation, trait, or behavior, often making it difficult for people to hide or conceal crucial information.

Common Misspellings for TELL TALE

• tell tale
• telltale
• tell-tales
• tel-tale
• rell tale
• fell tale
• gell tale
• yell tale
• 6ell tale
• 5ell tale
• twll tale
• tsll tale
• tdll tale
• trll tale
• t4ll tale
• t3ll tale
• tekl tale
• tepl tale
• teol tale
• telk tale

Etymology of TELL TALE

The term "tell tale" has its origins in Middle English. It is a compound word consisting of the noun "tell" meaning "an account or narrative" and the adjective "tale" meaning "a story or recounting". The word "tell" comes from Old English "tellan", which means "to count, relate, or speak". "Tale" is derived from Old English "talu" or "tal", which means "a statement or narrative". Over time, "tell tale" came to refer to a person or thing that reveals information or secrets, akin to how a story or tale communicates details.