What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Tinker vs Ticker - What's the difference?

tinker | ticker |

As nouns the difference between tinker and ticker

is that tinker is an itinerant tinsmith and mender of household utensils made of tin while ticker is a measuring or reporting device, particularly one which makes a ticking sound as the measured events occur.

As a verb tinker

is to fiddle with something in an attempt to fix, mend or improve it, especially in an experimental or unskilled manner.

As a proper noun Tinker

is {{surname|northern English|from=occupations}} for someone who mends pots and pans.

tinker

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • an itinerant tinsmith and mender of household utensils made of tin
  • (dated, chiefly, British, and, Irish, offensive) A member of the travelling community. A gypsy.
  • A mischievous person, especially a playful, impish youngster.
  • Someone who repairs, or attempts repair on anything mechanical (tinkers) or invents.
  • The act of repair or invention.
  • (military, obsolete) A small mortar on the end of a staff.
  • Any of various fish: the chub mackerel, the silverside, the skate, or a young mackerel about two years old.
  • A bird, the razor-billed auk.
    • (Webster 1913)

    Synonyms

    * (mischievous person) rapscallion, rascal, rogue, scamp, scoundrel * (member of the travelling community) traveller

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To fiddle with something in an attempt to fix, mend or improve it, especially in an experimental or unskilled manner.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2012-01
    • , author=Robert M. Pringle , title=How to Be Manipulative , volume=100, issue=1, page=31 , magazine= citation , passage=As in much of biology, the most satisfying truths in ecology derive from manipulative experimentation. Tinker with nature and quantify how it responds.}}
  • To work as a tinker.

    • See also

    * * tinker's damn

    Anagrams

    *

    ticker

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A measuring or reporting device, particularly one which makes a ticking sound as the measured events occur.
    • The ticker was showing an increased rate of flow.
  • A ticker tape.
    • I checked the prices on the ticker one last time before placing the trade.
    To my surprise, the ticker showed that the deal had already gone through.
  • (colloquial) The heart.
    • My ticker gave out and I had to go to the hospital for surgery.
  • A birdwatcher who aims to see (and tick off on a list) as many bird species as possible.

    • Derived terms

    * news ticker, stock ticker