tattling

Everyday

1. Tattling means telling an adult about someone's small misbehaviour, often just to get them into trouble (mainly American). tree →
2. Tattling can also mean gossiping or chattering. tree →

In the lessons

In school lessons on behaviour, «tattling» (to get someone in trouble) is different from «telling» or «reporting» (to keep someone safe). Always tell an adult if someone is hurt, in danger, or being bullied. Phrases: «tattling vs telling», «stop tattling», «tattletale».

Examples

• Stop tattling on your little brother. tree →
• Is that tattling or telling? tree →
• Telling an adult that someone is hurt is not tattling. tree →
• She kept tattling about who was talking in class. tree →
• Nobody likes it when you are always tattling. tree →
• My teacher said, «If it's dangerous, it's not tattling.» tree →
• He was called a tattletale for tattling. tree →

Note

Mainly American; British children say «telling tales» or «snitching», Australians «dobbing in». Rule: if someone is hurt, unsafe, or being bullied, telling a trusted adult is the right thing, never «tattling».