tout
tout
UK[taʊt]US[taʊt]
v
To try to persuade people to buy your goods or services, especially in an aggressive or direct way.
v
To praise someone or something highly, especially as a form of publicity or recommendation.
n
A person who touts something, especially tickets or information.
Etymology
The word 'tout' has a history rooted in the act of watching or projecting. It entered Middle English from a Germanic source, with an original sense of peering out or prying. This concrete action evolved metaphorically; someone who 'touts' is figuratively sticking themselves out to be seen, actively seeking attention for goods or information. By the 18th century, this developed into the specific modern meanings of aggressively soliciting customers, especially for tickets, or loudly praising something to promote it. The journey is from a physical act of observation to a social act of conspicuous solicitation.
Analysis
This word is a simplex form. It is derived from the Middle English verb tuten or toten, meaning "to peep, peer, or look out." Its ultimate origin is likely from a Germanic root related to the act of projecting or sticking out, which metaphorically evolved into the act of soliciting attention.
Examples
Street vendors often tout their souvenirs to passing tourists.
The company hired a famous athlete to tout the benefits of their new sports drink.
The ticket tout was asking for three times the face value outside the stadium.