Dogmatic Logo
The Canine in Conversation
contents page back to last page visited reload this page prior page in site next page in site
CONTENTS BACK RELOAD PRIOR NEXT
spacer
spacer spacer
tyke spacer
figure 1

 

tyke. A small child, especially a boy.

The Oxford English Dictionary informs us that it is originally a contemptuous term for a low bred or coarse dog, its usage similar to that of cur. And, Also said in playful reproof to a child; hence (unreprovingly)reference 1 So it is a playful insult, though I doubt that most U.S. English speakers are aware of the opprobrious original usage.

1. The Oxford English Dictionary Online. 2005. 3d ed. Accessed from http://dictionary.oed.com.

line
About the illustration: A small boy. © 2008 Jupiterimages Corporation.  
see also: cur; mongrel Last updated: February 2, 2010
line
by Alec MacLeod 2001-2008  Dogmatic Technologies Oakland Creative Commons unless otherwise expressly stated, all original material of whatever nature created by Alec MacLeod and included in The Canine in Conversation and any related pages, is licensed under a Creative Commons License. Please read the Terms of Use Agreement by Alec MacLeod Dogmatic Technologies