What is the name for my speaking...style?

October 28, 2008 7:25 PM

There is a characteristic to my speech in which my lips are often pursed tightly together when I speak. It's not a lisp, nor is it a tongue thrust. My wife says it's because I have a long tongue, so the opposite of a lisp. Anyone know if this even has a name?

Just to be clear: this is not a problem in any way, and at least my wife finds it quite charming(!) It's rather difficult to describe, especially since I can't see myself talking most of the time. My mother and her sister (my aunt) do this as well, so it's likely an inherited thing. I'm trying to think of famous people who do this and am drawing a blank. Ring any bells?

posted by zardoz to Health & Fitness (2 answers total)

Best answer: No clue here, but I'm positive there's a term for it, if only we can narrow things down. Are you describing something about the way you look when you speak, or how this thing changes the way you sound when you speak? When do you normally do this feature? While making sound? In between sounds? While resting? Is it more of a pucker, or a 'toothless' impersonation? How long do your lips stay pursed? Can you give an example of something you might say while making this expression? Why do you think this has anything to do with your tongue? Or a lisp?
posted by iamkimiam at 11:13 PM on October 28, 2008

Best answer: Reminds me of a joke.

Old crusty guy is sitting in a bar surrounded by beautiful women. Another guy comes up, says, "You're old and crusty and surrounded by beautiful women. What's you're secret?"

Man pushed up his glasses with his tongue and says, "I have no idea."

Now, as to your question, I don't think it has anything to do with your tongue. I can slick my eyebrows back with mine (I make Gene Simmons seem like he has a small one. I'm the Dirk Digglers of tongues) and I have no issues with speaking or with pursing my lips.

I really don't think it has anything to do with your tongue (at least the length part).
posted by cjorgensen at 7:20 AM on October 29, 2008