ext_22722 ([identity profile] theidolhands.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] 1word1day2015-08-04 12:05 pm

Sunday Word: Tout (belated)

tout [ˈtau̇t]:
origin: [1400] Old English; tōtian= "to peer" or look out.

noun or verb
1. A type of forceful and persistent sales technique. Have you ever gone on vacation (or perhaps just roamed your local tourist trap) only for a native to run up and desperately try to sell products that you never asked for? Perhaps with dubious lines such as, "For you! Because I like your face, only $30!"

They may also attempt to solicit specific tourist destinations: perhaps a rickshaw ride you hadn't requested, a tarot card reading, or a bed & breakfast nook run by their grandmother. Touts may be elderly, healthy, poor, or children; they can look like anything, but they all want one thing -- your money!

2. Tout can also be used specifically in gambling, for a person who offers "tips" on (horse) races...in exchange for a share of said winnings. Of course! Again, the verb-form, one may also tout about by spying on stables in order to get those tips.

3. In England, or where British slang may prevail, a tout is what is also known as a "ticket scalper".

4. To herald or support something with an air of expertise, as in, "Many compliment Paris runways for decadence and style, but Brian, ever a devotee to Vogue magazine and sales racks alike, touted the street-smart fashions of New York City as another important influence in the world of fashion."


[identity profile] prettygoodword.livejournal.com 2015-08-05 06:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Sense #3 explains a few uses that have confused me -- I knew #2 but the context didn't make sense. Thanks!

---L.
med_cat: (Default)

[personal profile] med_cat 2015-08-07 10:07 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you for such a detailed definition :)