What does totting mean?
Totting is an informal verb meaning to carry a small child, or occasionally another person, on one's arm. It is particularly associated with British English and is often used in affectionate descriptions of parents, carers, and older relatives. The related noun denotes the activity itself, as in the totting of a baby. In American English, carrying or toting is generally more usual, although totting is understood. The word is memorable because it is unusually specific: it does not merely describe holding someone but focuses on the familiar act of giving a child a ride on an adult's arm. The spelling and pronunciation can also be confused with tottering, which describes unsteady walking. Totting is normally encountered in its present-participle or gerund form, making it particularly effective for describing an action as it is happening.
To carry a small child or another person on one's arm.
"She totted the baby up the stairs and settled him beside the fire."
Chiefly British and informal; the word often conveys affection.
The act of carrying a small child or another person on one's arm.
"The constant totting of the baby eventually wore out her arm."
Chiefly British and informal; it is normally treated as a mass noun.
Totting generally names an uncountable activity, so the plural tottings is rarely used and may sound artificial.
"She spent the afternoon totting the baby and talking to her sister."
A toddler on your arm needs no reins, stirrups, or pram: that is totting.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does totting come from?
Totting was formed from the verb tot, meaning to carry a small child or other person on the arm, by adding the present-participle ending -ing. It developed from the older noun tot, meaning a small child, whose deeper origin is uncertain. Related diminutive forms include tots and totty.
How totting is actually used
The word is informal and often affectionate or lightly humorous. It is especially common in British English, while American speakers more often use carrying or toting.
Easily confused with totting
Totting specifically describes carrying a small child or person on one's arm, whereas toting more generally means carrying or transporting something.
Totting means carrying a child or person on one's arm, while tottering means walking unsteadily.