Rat-Tat
/ˈræt ˌtæt/noun
A sharp repeated knocking or tapping sound, or an imitation of such a sound.
Did you know?Rat-tat is an example of expressive sound symbolism: its meaning comes primarily from imitating the abrupt rhythm of repeated blows rather than from an inherited ancient root.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic and Old English background
Germanic
*hrappōn / *knockōn
“Older Germanic sound-words associated with striking, tapping, or knocking; these are background influences on English sound vocabulary, not direct ancestors of rat-tat.”
Middle English
English
ratte / rathe
“Expressive forms and rhythmically repeated syllables were used in English to suggest abrupt movement or sound.”
16th–17th Century
English
rat-tat / rat-a-tat
“Emerging imitative expressions representing a quick succession of knocks or drumbeats.”
18th Century
English
rat-tat
“A conventional written imitation of repeated tapping, knocking, or drumming.”
Modern English
English
rat-tat
“A sharp repeated sound, especially a knock, gunfire burst, or drumbeat, and the act of producing it.”