The word 'tingle' likely originated as an onomatopoeic or imitative formation in Middle English, echoing the sound or sensation of a light, ringing vibration. It is related to, and possibly influenced by, the Middle English word 'tinklen', meaning 'to tinkle'. The core concept has always been one of a light, sharp, ringing, or prickling feeling, whether auditory or tactile. The addition of the '-ing' suffix creates the adjective and noun forms, directly describing the state or experience of that specific sensation, preserving the word's vivid, sensory origin in its modern usage.

The word 'tingling' is a derivative of the verb 'tingle'. The base 'tingle' is considered a simplex word, likely of imitative origin, and the suffix '-ing' is from Old English '-ende', '-inge', used to form present participles and verbal nouns.