totting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Technical (accounting), British informal (scavenging sense)
Quick answer
What does “totting” mean?
The act of adding up numbers, especially a series of small amounts, to find a total.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of adding up numbers, especially a series of small amounts, to find a total.
1. The practice of collecting and selling discarded items or scrap (British, informal, from 'totter'). 2. The action of accumulating or amassing something over time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'totting' can refer to the work of a 'totter' (rag-and-bone man) or scavenging. This usage is rare to non-existent in AmE. The arithmetic sense is shared but more commonly expressed as 'totaling' (AmE spelling) or 'adding up' in both varieties.
Connotations
UK: Can carry a slightly informal or working-class connotation, especially in the scavenging sense. US/Shared: Neutral-to-informal for the arithmetic sense.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties. The arithmetic sense is more likely in accounting contexts. The UK scavenging sense is regionally marked and declining.
Grammar
How to Use “totting” in a Sentence
[Subject] + be + totting + up + [Object (sum/score/total)][Subject] + spend time + totting + [Adverbial (figures/numbers)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “totting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was totting up the day's takings behind the counter.
- He's been totting for scrap metal since he lost his job.
American English
- The clerk is totting the columns to find the discrepancy.
- After the game, we spent time totting the individual scores.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard]
American English
- [Not standard]
adjective
British English
- [Rare. Possible:] The totting process revealed an error.
- He operates a small totting business from his van.
American English
- [Rare. Possible:] The totting function in the software is basic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal reference to finalizing accounts or calculating quarterly figures.
Academic
Rare; would appear in informal descriptions of data analysis.
Everyday
Discussing calculating a bill, score, or personal budget.
Technical
Can appear in accounting software documentation or old ledger contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “totting”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “totting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “totting”
- Using 'totting' in formal writing (prefer 'calculating', 'summing').
- Confusing the spelling with 'toting' (carrying).
- Using the UK scavenging sense in an international context without explanation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally informal. In formal contexts like financial reports, words like 'calculating', 'summing', or 'aggregating' are preferred.
'Totaling' is the preferred American English spelling for the arithmetic action. 'Totting' is the British English spelling for the same action, but it also has a separate, informal British meaning related to scavenging.
Yes, but it's uncommon. For example, 'The totting of the scores took ages.' It functions as a gerund (verbal noun).
Due to phonetic false friends. The sound resembles the Russian word 'топтать' (to trample/stamp), which is semantically unrelated to calculation or collecting.
The act of adding up numbers, especially a series of small amounts, to find a total.
Totting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɒtɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɑːtɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly with 'totting'. Related: 'totting up the score']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tiny TOT learning to count by TOTTING up his toys.
Conceptual Metaphor
CALCULATION IS GATHERING (totting up involves bringing numbers together).
Practice
Quiz
In British informal usage, 'totting' can also refer to: