Tat

/tæt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a type of lace made by knotting threads together.
The tat she made was a beautiful addition to the tablecloth.
a small piece of something, often leftover or of little value.
He found some tat in the drawer that he decided to throw away.
verb
to make lace by knotting threads together.
She learned how to tat delicate lace for her grandmother's handkerchief.
to make a series of quick, small moves or sounds.
The children began to tat around the playground, enjoying their carefree afternoon.

Etymology

Probably from Middle English, akin to 'tat' meaning a knot.

Common Phrases and Expressions

tatting lace
The art of making lace by knotting threads together.
tat as you go
To create lace or patterns during a project incrementally.

Related Words

lace
A delicate fabric made from threads.
knot
An interlacing of rope or thread.

Slang Meanings

A term used in some regions to refer to a small, insignificant thing.
Don't worry about the tat; focus on the important stuff.
Casual or trivial talk, often insignificant.
We spent the afternoon just chatting about tat.