pitter-patter
UK[ˈpɪtə ˌpætə]US[ˈpɪt̬ər ˌpæt̬ər]
n
a series of quick, light, tapping sounds
v
to make a series of quick, light, tapping sounds
Etymology
pitter-patter is an english onomatopoeic word, belonging to a large class of reduplicative formations that imitate sounds or suggest repetitive motion. it emerged in the late middle english period, with "patter" being the older element, itself imitative of a rapid succession of light blows or steps. the addition of "pitter" creates a rhyming compound that intensifies the sense of light, rapid, and irregular succession, often associated with the sound of light rain or small feet. its formation follows a common pattern in english where consonant-vowel alternation in reduplication evokes a lively, rhythmic auditory effect.
Analysis
this is a reduplicative compound, formed by the rhyming repetition of the sound-symbolic element "pitter" with a vowel change to create "patter".
Examples
the pitter-patter of rain on the roof was a soothing sound.
we could hear the pitter-patter of the children's feet running down the hallway.
her heart began to pitter-patter with nervous excitement.