Tiquismiquis... Where does it come from ?

Question

My favourite new Spanish word, and not one I'm likely to forget quickly (I do like the words that stick) is 'tiquismiquis', but where on Earth does it come from ?

It means 'fussy' or 'fusspot', like someone who's fussy about food. The first time I heard it I thought it was a joke, like a reference to Micky Mouse, but apparently it's an actual word.

What makes it so memorable for me is it doesn't sound at all Spanish. It actually sounds English, but it doesn't mean anything in English (or at least not to me).

Apparently it's also the name of a restaurant in Spain.

Does anyone know anything about the origin of this word ?

It is not a really used word, but all people know it. In fact, I use to say it a lot XDD - txustaboy, Jun 26, 2015

Reminds me of two of my favorite words: quisquilloso (because of similar meaning) and chipichipi (because of similar sound). - jtaniel, Jun 26, 2015

I thing that you mean pichipicha XD - txustaboy, Jun 26, 2015

After reading all the answers I would suggest an Enlgish equivalent: "fuddy-duddy," At least in the US, I don't know about other English speaking countries. - Daniela2041, Jun 27, 2015

We had a member a while back whose avatar was "Tiquismiquis', wonder what happened to him/her? - ray76, Jun 29, 2015

Answer 1

Well, I have found this:

Se usa la expresión “tiquismiquis” cuando queremos decir que una persona tiene excesivos reparos o escrúpulos hacia algo sin importancia.

Esta palabra surge aproximadamente a mediados del SXVII, derivándose de la expresión “tichi, michi”, que a su vez proviene de la latina “tibi, mihi” y que quiere decir “para ti, para mí”.

Es precisamente este “para ti, para mí” la frase que se asociaba en la época a estas personas tan meticulosas con absolutamente todo, haciendo alusión a su actitud a la hora de repartir algo con otra persona.

If anybody needs translation, ask for it and I will translate it.

Gracias txustaboy . Es muy interesante - porcupine7, Jun 26, 2015

Interesting... ;-) - Faldaesque, Jun 26, 2015

I'm impressed - padrin, Jun 26, 2015

Nice answer, thanks, I will vote if my computer will let me later, mystriously the mouse is only half working..Mice! - annierats, Jun 26, 2015

Answer 2

Tiquismiquis es realmente una palabra muy divertida. No tengo la menor idea de su origen y no pude hallarlo ni en Google. Pero puedo decir unas palabra divertidas , por lo menos para mi. " Cachivache" -junk

"cucamonas " -sweet nothings.

Espero que estas palabras sean interesantes también a Ustedes.

Tiquismiquis is really a very entertaining word. I do not have the least idea of its origin and I could not find it in Google either. But I can say a few funny words , at least for me. " Cachivache" -junk "cucamonas " -sweet nothings. I hope that these words are interesting to you too.

;-) - Faldaesque, Jun 26, 2015

Have you ever hear: marimorena?. Look for it, it is also funny - txustaboy, Jun 26, 2015

or: "Por arte de birlibirloque"? - txustaboy, Jun 26, 2015

Ay qué bien ! Gracias txustaboy - porcupine7, Jun 26, 2015

Answer 3

Vino a mi mente una palabra más : "Mequetrefe"- persona inútil