What does tot mean?
Tot is an informal word with several compact but distinct meanings. As a noun, it most often refers to a small child, often with an affectionate or diminutive tone: a parent may call a young child “my little tot.” In British and Irish English, a “tot” can also mean a small measure of an alcoholic drink, particularly spirits such as whisky or brandy. As a verb, “tot” means to carry something, while the phrasal verb “tot up” means to calculate a total by adding figures together. The word is especially familiar in British usage, although the child and carrying senses are also understood in American English. Its brevity makes it useful in informal speech, while its range of meanings makes context important.
An informal term for a small child. In British and Irish English, it can also mean a small quantity of an alcoholic drink.
"The children called their little brother “the family tot.”"
The child sense is affectionate and diminutive; the drink sense is especially common in British and Irish English.
To carry or transport something; in the phrase “tot up,” to add amounts together.
"We toted the boxes upstairs, then toted up the final bill."
The phrasal use “tot up” is especially associated with informal British English.
The regular plural is “tots.” In the child sense, it refers to several small children; in the drink sense, it refers to several small measures of alcohol.
"The tots played in the garden while the adults talked."
One little word can mean a child, a small drink, or the act of carrying something.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tot come from?
The exact origin of tot is not securely established, and its present senses reflect more than one historical development. The child sense is recorded in early modern English, while the verb meaning “to carry” may be related to the Dutch word tote, “to carry,” although that connection remains uncertain. The small-drink sense became established in British English as a term for a small portion of spirits.
Related word forms
How tot is actually used
The noun referring to a child is informal and often affectionate. The drink sense is especially associated with British and Irish English. “Tot up” is common in informal British English, while “tote” is more usual for carrying something in American English.
Easily confused with tot
A tot is a small child, a small drink, or the act of carrying something, whereas a tote is a large bag or the act of carrying something.