tike: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “tike” mean?
A small child, especially one who is mischievous.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small child, especially one who is mischievous.
Can also refer to a person from Yorkshire in some dialects, or informally to a mongrel dog.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English, especially in Northern England, where it is used informally for children. In American English, it is rare and may be perceived as archaic or dialectal.
Connotations
In British English, implies a cheeky or lively child; in American English, it is less familiar and might be seen as quaint.
Frequency
Higher frequency in British English in informal contexts; very low in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in business contexts.
Academic
Rare in academic writing; occasionally found in literary or linguistic studies.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation to refer to children, often with affection.
Technical
No technical usage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tike”
- Spelling confusion with 'tyke', which is a variant spelling.
- Using in formal writing where 'child' is more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively rare and mostly used in informal or regional contexts, particularly in British English.
Primarily no; it is used for children. However, in some dialects, such as in Yorkshire, it can refer to a person from that region.
They are variant spellings of the same word, with 'tyke' being more commonly listed in dictionaries, but both convey the same meanings.
Use it cautiously in informal settings; prefer 'child' or 'kid' in most contexts to avoid confusion or regional misunderstandings.
A small child, especially one who is mischievous.
Tike is usually informal in register.
Tike: in British English it is pronounced /taɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /taɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tike' rhyming with 'bike', and imagine a small child riding a bike mischievously.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often metaphorically used to describe someone as youthful, impish, or unsophisticated.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'tike'?