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latah

or la·ta

[ lah-tuh ]

noun

  1. a pattern of neurotic behavior, usually induced by a startle, first discovered in Malaya, and characterized by the compulsive imitation of the actions and words of others.


latah

/ ˈlɑːtə /

noun

  1. a psychological condition, observed esp in Malaysian cultures, in which an individual, after experiencing a shock, becomes anxious and suggestible, often imitating the actions of another person
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of latah1

Borrowed into English from Malay around 1880–85
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Word History and Origins

Origin of latah1

C19: from Malay
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Example Sentences

The sailor then throws the piece of wood on to the deck, and the latah promptly follows suit with the baby (Guinon).

I has plowed an' I has sowed, an' latah on I has laid cyahpets, an' I has whitewashed.

I'll go if you wish it; though I tell you again, you're backing the wrong man, and soonah or latah you'll discover it.

In point of fact, I don't mind telling yah, I back myself still for a couple of thou' soonah or latah to marry yah.

More than one-half of the cereal crop in 1905 was produced in the prairie and plateau region of Nez Perce and Latah counties.

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