tick-tock, noun
- Forms:
- Also tik-tok.
- Origin:
- From Afrikaans toktokkie.
obs.
tok-tokkie sense 2 a.
1911 State Dec. 586 (Pettman)The evening generally starts with the pleasant game known as tick-tock...The game is a simple one and is played somewhat as follows; You..select a window the light in which betokens life behind the drawn blind...A trusted member of your force..must..securely pin to the wooden frame, between the panes, one end of a stout thread. The thread is then pulled taut like a violin string, and a piece of resin is gently rubbed along it. The weird noise that this simple process causes to be heard by those inside the window is something that must be experienced to be believed.
1970 S. Sparks Informant, Fort Beaufort, Eastern CapeWe played tik-tok on old Mrs. Brown’s front door. (A game played at night by children who steal up to front doors, knock and run off before they’re caught.)
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