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Tough Titty

What Does "Tough Titty" Mean?

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"Tough titty" is an English idiom. It is an informal and somewhat dismissive expression used to convey a lack of sympathy or to bluntly express that someone must accept an unfavorable situation.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "tough titty" used in a sentence:
  • She wanted a day off, but her boss's response was simply, 'Tough titty; we have a deadline to meet.'
  • When faced with challenges, some people respond with 'Tough titty' and focus on finding solutions.
  • Life can be tough at times, and 'Tough titty' is a reminder that we must adapt and persevere.
meaning for tough titty

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Tough Titty" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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