tatty

Everyday

1. (informal) Old, worn out and in poor condition, a bit shabby. tree →
2. (informal) Of poor quality or cheap-looking. tree →
3. Tatty can also be a name for a character, such as Tatty Mouse. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday British, Irish, Australian and NZ talk «tatty» describes old clothes, books, toys or furniture. In stories it shows poverty or long use: «a tatty old coat». In the USA people say «shabby» or «beat-up». Phrases: «tatty old», «a bit tatty», «tatty around the edges».

Examples

• My favourite teddy is very tatty now. tree →
• He wore a tatty old jumper. tree →
• The library book was tatty and torn. tree →
• The sofa looks a bit tatty, so we're getting a new one. tree →
• The posters on the wall were tatty around the edges. tree →
• Don't wear those tatty trainers to the party! tree →
• Titty Mouse and Tatty Mouse both lived in a house, tree →

Note

Informal. Comparative «tattier», superlative «tattiest». Similar to «scruffy», «shabby», «worn». In Scotland «tatties» means potatoes — a different word.