Usage Note
Tac almost always appears in the fixed expression du tac au tac, meaning 'tit for tat' or 'quick as a flash' — a snappy retort delivered immediately. The word imitates a sharp clicking or tapping sound. Outside this idiom it is rarely used independently.
Examples
"Il a répondu du tac au tac."
Natural Translation
He shot back a quick reply.
Literal Translation
He responded tit for tat.
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