itty-bitty

Question

Is it OK to describe someone or something 'itty-bitty'?Say someone's hands or feet or figure or someone's house or rooms.Does 'itty-bitty' simply means tiny?Thanks,

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Does 'itty-bitty' simply mean 'tiny'?
Yes!
It's not used very much, though, especially in serious adult conversations, where 'tiny', however, would not be out of place.

CJ

Meantolearn · Answer

Hi CJ,

out of place - not suitable for a particular situation or occasion:

e.g. He never seemed to feel out of place at social functions.

The paintings looked strangely out of place. (Longman)

Thanks for the reply.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

An alternative spelling is ittsy-bittsy.

There's also teensy-weensy (derived from 'tiny', I imagine). An adult might occasionally try to be cute by saying to a friend:

A: Would you like some more cake?

B: Oh, just a teeny piece, please.

There was a pop song many years ago:

She wore an ittsy-bittsy, teeny-weeny

Yellow polka dot bikini

Just a teeny comment, Clive

Meantolearn · Answer

Hi Clive,

It seems I do remember the song, but only partially.

I hope you dance!

Meantolearn · Answer

a bitty woman

Does the phrase have negative connotation?

Is it a common expression?

Thanks,

Julielai · Answer

And here's the famous children's tune:

The itsy bitsy spider

Crawled up the water spout

Down came the rain

And washed the spider out

Out came the sun

And dried up all the rain

And the itsy bitsy spider

Crawled up the spout again.

Clive · Answer

'a bitty woman' Does the phrase have negative connotation? Is it a common expression?

My dictionary has 'bitty', informal, meaning 'very small'. However, I've only heard it used in conjunction with 'little': a little-bitty woman or with 'itty': an itty-bitty woman. There's nothing negative about it. Perhaps you might hear it once a year.

Best wishes, Clive

itty-bitty

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