The word "tidings" ([ˈtaɪdɪŋz]) is spelled with a "t" and not a "c" as some people might expect. This is because it is derived from the Old English word "tidung" which meant "news" or "announcement". The pronunciation, with the long "i" sound, is also a reflection of the word's Old English roots. Despite being an archaic term, "tidings" is still occasionally used in modern English, particularly around the holiday season when we hear the phrase "good tidings of great joy".
Tidings, noun, is defined as news, information, or updates about a particular event or occurrence, especially those that have a broad impact or significance. It refers to the report or information regarding an event, incident, or noteworthy development, which is shared or communicated to others. Tidings typically convey information about new happenings, current affairs, or important updates that are relevant to a specific community, society, or the general public.
The term is commonly used in the context of sharing news or notifying someone about recent events, whether they are positive or negative in nature. Tidings can encompass various topics, including personal news, public affairs, political developments, social trends, or any matter of general interest. It often carries a connotation of being fresh, recent, and significant, emphasizing the importance of the information being shared.
Tidings can be spread through diverse channels, such as traditional media (newspapers, television, radio), digital platforms (websites, social media), personal conversations, or written correspondence. In historical use, tidings referred specifically to good or joyful news, but in contemporary usage, it has a broader scope and can encompass both good and bad news. The term "tidings" is less commonly used in everyday conversations, but it survives in idiomatic expressions, such as "good tidings," to convey positive or fortunate news, or "bad tidings," to indicate unfortunate or distressing news.
News; intellignece.
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 tidings originated from the Old English word tidung which means news or announcement. It is derived from the Old Norse word tíðindi, also meaning news. The term gradually evolved in Middle English to tidynges and later shortened to tidings.