tyke

¹

or tike

[ tahyk ]

noun

1. a child, especially a small boy.
2. any small child.
3. a cur; mongrel.
4. Chiefly Scot. a low, contemptible fellow; boor.

tyke

²

or tike

[ tahyk ]

noun

1. Australia and New Zealand Informal. a Roman Catholic.

tyke

/ taɪk /

noun

1. a dog, esp a mongrel
2. informal.
   a small or cheeky child: used esp in affectionate reproof
3. dialect.
   a rough ill-mannered person
4. slang.
   Also calledYorkshire tyke a person from Yorkshire
5. slang.
   a Roman Catholic

Word History and Origins

Origin of tyke¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Old Norse tīk bitch

Origin of tyke²

1940–45; compare Ulster English Taig contemptuous term for a Roman Catholic Irishman, archaic English teague derogatory name for an Irishman < Irish Tadhg a common personal name

Word History and Origins

Origin of tyke¹

C14: from Old Norse tīk bitch

Example Sentences

Tykes captain Jordan Williams misjudged his header back to Roberts, after which the goalkeeper awkwardly brought down Sheehan, leading to referee Will Finnie pointing to the spot.

From BBC

They made Portsmouth pay on 59 minutes when McAtee received the ball on the edge of the Portsmouth box before finishing well to give the Tykes the lead.

From BBC

Barnsley can appeal, but the Tykes said they had accepted the decision.

From BBC

It was cruel on the Tykes who had been a man down since the 49th minute when Adam Phillips was shown a straight red for a poor challenge on Lee Gregory.

From BBC

Outside the drugstore at Sunset and Gower, Tyke followed Ward and “called me ‘yellow’ and other dirty names.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brat
• imp
• lad
• little terror