1 : a small or insignificant amount or degree : bit might give him some water and a tad to eat— C. T. Walker. 2 : a small child especially : boy. a tad. : somewhat, rather looked a tad bigger than me— Larry Hodgson. Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About tad.

How do you use tad?

You can use a tad in expressions such as a tad big or a tad small when you mean that it is slightly too big or slightly too small. It was a tad confusing. The prices were a tad above average, but they’re of the highest quality.

Why do we say Tad?

It’s originally and chiefly North American, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, and may be derived from “tadpole.” a boy,” the OED says. It wasn’t until the 20th century that “a tad” came to mean a small amount or, used as a modifier, a little, slightly, or somewhat.

in the expression a tad, a little, slightly. 1940 Amer. Speech XV. 448/1 ― Tad, a very small amount.