Pronunciation: [tˈɪkən] (IPA) 
The word "ticken" is a German verb that means "to tick." It is spelled with two letter "c"s, which may seem unusual to English speakers. However, in German, the "ck" combination is used to represent a hard "k" sound, as seen in other words like "backen" (to bake) and "Rock" (skirt). The correct IPA phonetic transcription for "ticken" is /ˈtɪkən/, with a short "i" sound in the first syllable and a schwa sound in the second syllable.
Ticken is a colloquial term commonly used in English, specifically in British and Australian slang, with several different meanings. As a noun, it can refer to the sound or noise made by a clock or watch, particularly the ticking of a mechanical timepiece. In this context, it is often associated with the rhythmic ticking sound produced by the movement of the clock's gears or the second hand on a clock face.
As a verb, "ticken" has various meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It can be used to describe the act of becoming mentally or emotionally agitated or distressed, often characterized by displaying erratic or irrational behavior. For instance, someone might say, "He started to ticken when he couldn't find his car keys."
In Australian slang, "ticken" is a shortened form of "chicken," referring to poultry meat. In this context, it is commonly used in phrases like "a piece of ticken" or "ticken nuggets" and is often associated with fast food or family meals.
Overall, the term "ticken" is highly context-dependent, and its meaning can vary greatly based on the situation in which it is used. It is important to consider the specific context when encountering the word "ticken" to accurately interpret its intended meaning.
The strong cloth used for bed-ticks.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The etymology of the word "Ticken" can be traced back to the Middle High German term "ticchen", which means to do something rapidly or anxiously. This term is derived from the Old High German word "ziccōn", meaning to twitch or move quickly. Over time, the word "ticchen" evolved into "ticken" in the modern German language, maintaining its meaning of ticking or ticking rapidly. In contemporary usage, "ticken" is often associated with the ticking sound of a clock and is also used metaphorically to describe someone's behavior or state of mind.
