What does jotty mean?
Jotty is a rare adjective meaning small, trifling, or insignificant. It can describe the modest size of a physical object, as in a jotty portion of food, or characterize a matter as being of little importance, as in a jotty complaint. The word is somewhat old-fashioned and appears more often in British English than in American usage, although it is not strictly limited to either variety. Its unusual sound and old-fashioned character make it useful in informal, literary, or humorous writing, but it would sound out of place in ordinary formal communication. The expression is formed from “jot,” an older word associated with a small quantity and with briefly written notes. In contemporary English, “jotty” is chiefly literary or archaic rather than a common everyday descriptor.
adjectiveSmall in size or amount; of little significance.
- Small in size or amount.
- Of little importance or significance.
"He scribbled a jotty note on the edge of the page."
"There was only a jotty piece of bread left on the plate."
"The proposed change was dismissed as a jotty amendment with little practical effect."
A jotty amount takes its name from a jot: historically, something written briefly or a very small quantity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jotty come from?
Jotty was formed from the older word “jot” with the adjectival suffix “-y.” The base word could denote a small amount, a short note, or the act of quickly writing something down. The extended adjective meaning “small” or “insignificant” is now chiefly literary and archaic.
Related word forms
How jotty is actually used
This is a rare, somewhat old-fashioned word. It is more characteristic of British English and is now most often encountered in literary or deliberately whimsical contexts.