jquery: hide title attribute but not remove it

I have seen that most people will do it with this solution that on mouse over, we will grab the value in the TITLE attribute, then, remove its value. While on mouse out, we'll put it back on.

$(this).attr('title',''); 

or

$(this).removeAttr('title'); 

I want to know is it possible just hide the tooltip from appearing than removing the title attribute?

thanks!