Phrase Finder

'Tis still used in parts of the UK

Posted by Word Camel November 21, 2002In reply to 'Tis the season... posted by Bruce Kahl on November 21, 2002

It seems that EVERYONE prefaces just about EVERYTHING with "'tis the season" this time of year... 'tis the season to shop, 'tis the season to wrap gifts, 'tis the season to celebrate... does anyone know the origin of that phrase? Would it predate the song "Deck the Halls," or did that carol popularize it? I'm a reporter writing a story on this so any help is much appreciated!

It is a contraction of "this is":

Main Entry: 'tis
Pronunciation: 'tiz, (")tiz, t&z
Etymology: contraction
Date: 15th century

it is

I was amazed to hear a professor from the Bristol University using the words 'Tis, 'tisn't and shan't' It was wonderful.

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