What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tout
Example
The street vendor was touting his wares to anyone who passed by. [tout: verb]
Example
The company's marketing team was touting their new product as the best on the market. [touting: gerund or present participle]
peddle
Example
The salesman was peddling his wares from door to door. [peddle: verb]
Example
The street vendor was peddling fake designer handbags to unsuspecting tourists. [peddling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Peddle is more commonly used than tout in everyday language. Peddle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tout is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tout and peddle?
Both tout and peddle are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation or writing. Neither word is particularly formal or appropriate for professional or academic contexts.