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#209841 02/28/13 03:04 PM
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The word "teat" is usually pronounced "tit" as presented by Websters Collegiate Dictionary and others, but sometimes it is pronounced "teet" by intellectuals including, recently, Dr Charles Krauthammer on a national television network. Dr Krauthammer's use of the English language is usually masterful, so I doubt he made a simple mistake.

Is "teet" an acceptable alternative pronunciation? If so, where does it come from?

Olephredd #209843 02/28/13 03:26 PM
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'teet' is the preferred pronunciation according to AHD4 (and the only pron. given by OED); tit is a slang form which reverts to Old English (tit generally given from G. zitze).

tsuwm #209847 02/28/13 07:22 PM
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Actually, the Old English word was tit, and it is related to German Zitze, not derived from it. The Middle English word tete is borrowed from the Old French tette which in turn is borrowed from a Germanic language, as are the Italian and some other Romance words, replacing Latin mamilla. (Note that in French, Latin, and Old English, the various words leaned more towards meaning 'nipple' more than 'breast'.


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zmjezhd #209849 02/28/13 07:39 PM
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In the UK. 'teet' is the generally accepted pronunciation of 'teat'.
Often used to refer to the rubber device on the top of a feeding bottle, rarely (never?) used to refer to a real nipple. - certainly never used to mean 'breast.'


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Rhubarb Commando #209851 02/28/13 07:51 PM
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rarely (never?) used to refer to a real nipple.

cepting cows and the like

olly #209853 02/28/13 08:47 PM
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cepting cows and the like

Yes, the only time I've heard teat used in the States has been on dairy farms and the like. On the other hand, tit nowadays refers to the entire breast.


Ceci n'est pas un seing.
zmjezhd #209854 02/28/13 10:35 PM
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Originally Posted By: zmjezhd
cepting cows and the like

Yes, the only time I've heard teat used in the States has been on dairy farms and the like. On the other hand, tit nowadays refers to the entire breast.


concur, here in the heartland.


----please, draw me a sheep----
Olephredd #209879 03/02/13 06:59 PM
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tiht when tit, teet when teat.

tits are boobs, teats are on a cow (and the like).


formerly known as etaoin...

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