Meaning & Definition of word "Tout"

Tout

/taʊt/

noun:

  • 1. A person who promotes or praises something, especially in an aggressive or persistent manner.
    • Example: The tout was trying to convince people to buy tickets for the concert outside the venue.
  • 2. Someone who solicits customers in a public place, often for illegal purposes.
    • Example: The tout was arrested for trying to sell fake tickets to the game.

verb:

  • 1. To attempt to sell something, typically by persistent or aggressive methods.
    • Example: The salesman was known to tout the benefits of the new car model at every opportunity.
  • 2. To promote or praise something or someone in a public manner.
    • Example: The author was touted as the next great novelist after her first book became a bestseller.
  • 3. To publicly brag or boast about something.
    • Example: They touted their victory in the championship game all over social media.

Etymology

Middle English 'touten' meaning 'to promote, advertise'

Common Phrases and Expressions

tout your own horn:

To boast about one's own accomplishments.

tout oneself:

To promote oneself or one's abilities excessively.

Related Words

hawk:

To sell aggressively or publicly.

barker:

A person who calls out to attract customers, often at a fair or carnival.

Slang Meanings of tout

Meaning: To show off or brag about something.

Example Sentence: He's always touting about his new car.

Meaning: To try to sell something, often in a bothersome way.

Example Sentence: The touts were out in full force, trying to sell fake designer bags.