Chitty

/ˈtʃɪti/ noun

Definition

A short note or message, especially an informal written communication or memo.

Etymology

From Hindi 'chitthi' (letter) or 'chit' (note), borrowed into English around the 1700s through British contact with India. Particularly common in British English and Indian English.

Kelly Says

This word shows how English borrows from colonized languages—'chit' came from Hindi during the Raj and stayed because it was so useful. You see it in compounds like 'chit-chat' (informal conversation) and military 'duty roster chits.'

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.