Tidbit
/ˈtɪd.bɪt/noun
A small, interesting, or tasty piece of information or food.
Did you know?The second half, “bit,” belongs to an ancient family of words connected with biting and splitting, linking everyday snippets to the physical act of cutting something into pieces.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bheid-
“To split, cleave, or break apart; the ancient root behind the “bit” element.”
Old English
Old English
bītan
“To bite or cut with the teeth.”
Middle English
Middle English
bit
“A piece, portion, or fragment; also something bitten off.”
16th Century
English
tid
“A small or choice portion; the origin of the first element is uncertain, but it was used for something small or pleasing.”
17th Century
English
tidbit
“A small piece of food or a small choice item; later, a small piece of information.”
Modern English
English
tidbit
“A small, interesting, or tasty piece of information or food.”