Definition of tickle

The word "tickle" has its roots in Old English and Middle English. The verb "tīclan" or "tīklian" originally meant "to touch or hit lightly" or "to play with." This sense of playfulness and light touching is still present in modern English. In the 14th century, the word "tickle" began to take on a more specific meaning, referring to the act of tickling or causing someone to laugh by gentle, playful touches or strokes. This sense of the word is often associated with the feeling of pleasure or amusement that comes from being tickled. Over time, the word "tickle" has evolved to encompass a range of meanings, including the physical sensation of being tickled, as well as the idea of something being amusing or comical. Despite its evolution, the core sense of playfulness and light touch remains at the heart of the word "tickle."