Ditty

/ˈdɪt.i/ noun

Definition

A short, simple song or a catchy tune, often light and playful in nature.

Etymology

From Old French 'dité' meaning composed or dictated, from Latin 'dictare' (to dictate or compose). Originally meant any short composition, but narrowed to mean specifically a simple song by the 18th century.

Kelly Says

Earworms—those annoying ditties that get stuck in your head—are actually a sign of how powerful simple musical patterns are at hijacking your brain's memory systems, which is why advertisers have weaponized the ditty for over a century!

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