Tickle
/ˈtɪkəl/noun
To touch or stroke lightly in a way that causes involuntary laughter or a tingling sensation.
Did you know?Unlike many everyday words, “tickle” has no securely identified ancient root; historical linguists suspect its sound may imitate the quick, repeated sensation it describes.
Etymological Timeline
Before the 14th Century
Germanic
Expressive root uncertain
“The word’s deeper ancestry is unresolved; scholars commonly suspect sound symbolism or an imitative formation.”
14th Century
Middle English
tikelen
“To tickle or touch lightly, producing a pleasurable or irritating sensation.”
14th Century
Middle English
tiken
“A related verb meaning to touch lightly; its relationship to tickle is probable but not fully certain.”
15th–16th Century
English
tickle
“To cause laughter or a twitching sensation by light touching.”
Modern English
English
tickle
“To stimulate the skin so as to cause involuntary laughter or a tingling feeling; figuratively, to amuse or please.”