Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Extremely small; tiny: "itty-bitty" is an informal, often playful or affectionate adjective used to describe something as very small in size or amount. It emphasizes a diminutive nature, frequently with a connotation of cuteness or insignificance.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • She found an itty-bitty kitten hiding under the porch. (She found a very tiny kitten hiding under the porch.)
  • Would you like just an itty-bitty piece of cake? (Would you like just a very small piece of cake?)
  • Don't worry about that itty-bitty scratch on the car. (Don't worry about that very tiny scratch on the car.)

Advanced Usage

• Emphatic and Informal Register: "Itty-bitty" is almost always used in casual, spoken English. It is often employed for humorous effect, to express endearment, or to downplay the importance of something small.
  • After the hike, we cooled off in an itty-bitty stream. (After the hike, we cooled off in a charmingly small stream.)
• Reduplicative Form: The word is a reduplication (repetition with variation) of "bitty," which itself means small. This structure makes it sound more rhythmic and childlike.

Variants and Related Words

• Itsy-bitsy (adj): A common variant with identical meaning and usage.
  • She wore an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny yellow polka dot bikini. (From the popular song.)
• Teeny-weeny (adj): Another informal reduplicative synonym for very small.
• Bitty (adj): Informal for small or tiny, often used in British English (e.g., "little bitty thing").

Synonyms

• Tiny: Extremely small.
• Minuscule: Extremely or exceptionally small.
• Wee (informal, especially Scottish): Very small.
• Teensy (informal): Very small.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• (Just) a little itty-bitty...: A phrase used to further minimize or apologize for something small.
  • I just have a little itty-bitty question to ask. (I just have one very small question to ask.)
• Itty-bitty bit: A very small amount.
  • Add just an itty-bitty bit of salt. (Add just a very small amount of salt.)

Adjective

1. (used informally) very small
   • a wee tot