tot

Tot is a word with multiple meanings in English. As a noun, it commonly refers to a small child, especially a toddler. In everyday speech, people may say “a wee tot” to emphasize youth or affection. The origins of this sense are not certain, but the term has been in use since at least the 18th century and remains common in many varieties of English.

Tot also denotes a small amount of something, most often a serving of liquor. A “tot” is a modest measure, and its size has varied by era and venue. In modern practice it is often roughly 25 to 35 milliliters, though pubs or countries may use different standards. The expression appears in phrases such as “a tot of rum” or “a tot of whiskey,” typically implying moderation or restraint.

As a verb phrase, tot up means to add together or calculate a total. It is used in everyday language and in formal contexts such as accounting or budgeting. For example, one might tot up receipts or tot up scores.

In addition to these primary senses, Tot can appear as a proper noun or nickname in various cultural contexts. An example is the Italian stage name Totò (Antonio de Curtis), though this is usually written with an accent. Overall, tot is a versatile term tied to notions of smallness, measurement, and summation.