tippy-tappy

English

Adjective

tippy-tappy (comparative more tippy-tappy, superlative most tippy-tappy)

1. Giving light or delicate touches, taps or blows.
   • 1989, Hilma Wolitzer, In the Flesh:

     Ah, Bill, will you take my hand and show me how, will you dance with me with your tippy tappy toes?

   • 2020, Edward Forde Hickey, Reflections: More Tales from Tipperary:

     these charming little creatures dancing a tippy-tappy rhythm in the middle of the downpour

   • 2022, Tyson Fury, Gloves Off:

     […] a tippy-tappy fighter, the sort of bloke that tries to score points by hitting at his opponent with meaningless jabs.

   • 24 September 2023, Carl Asaba quoted in BBC Sounds[1] (original link [2])

     Our pre-requisite for Sheffield United this season is you have to turn up, be committed, be brave, work your socks off and make your opposite number beat you physically. We didn't do that, we tried to go tippy-tappy with one of the best teams in the Premier League and you can't do it.