tidbit

Tidbit is a noun with two primary senses. First, a tidbit refers to a small, tasty morsel of food—a tiny bite that is often enjoyed as an amuse-bouche or garnish. Second, it denotes a small piece of information, news, or trivia that is interesting or noteworthy but not substantial. The term is used in culinary writing and in everyday speech to signal something appealing or revealing in a compact form. In plural, tidbits is common in American English, while British usage tends to favor titbits (or tit-bits).

Origin and spelling: The exact origin of tidbit is uncertain. The form appears in 19th-century American English, and there are British variants such as titbit or tit-bit. Spelling varies by region, with tidbit being standard in the United States and titbit common in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries.

Usage notes: Tidbits are often presented to spark curiosity or to highlight a brief, appealing snippet. They appear in food writing as well as in journalism, newsletters, and social media when sharing small pieces of information or trivia. The term carries a connotation of charm or usefulness in a compact package.

See also: morsel, nugget, crumb. Tidbit is closely related to the idea of a small, valuable fragment, whether literal food or information.