tattletale

Everyday

1. A tattletale is a person, often a child, who tells a teacher or parent about other people's small mistakes, usually to get them into trouble. tree →
2. It is an informal, unkind name, mostly used in the USA and Canada. tree →

In the lessons

In school and kindness lessons, children learn the difference between tattling (telling to get someone in trouble for small things) and reporting or telling (telling to keep someone safe). If someone is hurt, in danger or being bullied, you must tell an adult — that is not being a tattletale. In the UK and Australia children say «telltale», «snitch», «tell-tale tit» or «dobber».

Examples

• Don't be a tattletale about every little thing. tree →
• They called him a tattletale for telling the teacher. tree →
• Telling an adult when someone is hurt is not being a tattletale. tree →
• «Tattletale!» shouted his sister. tree →
• In the UK, a tattletale is often called a telltale. tree →
• If it's a safety problem, always tell. tree →

Note

Countable noun, informal, one word: «a tattletale». The verb is «tattle». Important trap: telling about danger, bullying or secrets that hurt is the right thing to do, even if someone calls you a tattletale.