WordGarden.iotickler
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈɪklə/
US
Meanings
Noun
a reminder note, file, or system used to prompt future action
(informal)a teasingly difficult question, problem, or point
Beyond the definition
A "tickler" is often something that lightly amuses, teases, or irritates in a playful way. It can be a joke, a remark, or even a person who enjoys getting a laugh with gentle teasing. The idea is usually light and good-natured, not serious or hurtful.
The word also has a very practical use. In offices and business settings, a tickler is a reminder, especially a file, note, or system used to help someone remember tasks on certain dates. A "tickler file" is arranged so that the right paper or note appears when it is needed. So the word can point either to playful amusement or to something that helps jog the memory.
The word "tickler" has a few main uses in English, and they all connect to the idea of giving a light nudge. In one sense, it is something that amuses, teases, or causes a slight playful irritation. It may be a joke, a teasing comment, or sometimes a person who likes to get a reaction in a harmless way. The feeling is usually light rather than serious.
Another important sense is the business one. A "tickler" can be a reminder or part of a reminder system, especially a "tickler file." This is a set of papers, cards, or digital records arranged by date so that each item comes up at the right time. Clerks, accountants, and office workers have long used such systems to track bills, follow-ups, deadlines, and other tasks that must not be forgotten. In this sense, the word means something that jogs the memory at the proper moment.
In some contexts, "tickler" may also refer more literally to something that tickles, such as a light touch or sensation, though this is less central than the playful or reminder-related meanings. Taken together, the word usually suggests a small prompt: something that makes you smile, react, or remember.
Examples
- 1
Reminder file
She kept the lease in a tickler file so she would remember to renew it in June.
- Phrasetickler file
a set of reminders for things that need attention later
- 2
Follow-up reminder
Put a tickler in the system to call the client again next Friday.
- Phraseput a tickler in the system
add a reminder for later
- 3
Difficult question
The last question in the quiz was a real tickler.
- Phrasea real tickler
a difficult question or problem
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- ticklernoun