The need for cheek lifting

November 8, 2005 8:01 AM

Silly question, but hey : why do we feel the need to lift a cheek when ripping one ?
posted by XiBe to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (15 answers total)

We do that so as to allow the vapors the escape route of least resistance.

i_cant_believe_im_asking_this ) [!]

I can't believe I'm answering it, but then, haven't we all been told there are no stupid questions? We may have to revisit that old chestnut.
posted by wordswinker at 8:06 AM on November 8, 2005

Gives a little extra spreadage, maximizing the chances of an SBD, while simultaneously sending it to the poor sap to the side instead of fermenting in the undies.
posted by atom128 at 8:07 AM on November 8, 2005

Yeah. Basically so it doesn't make a tremendous noise.
posted by selfnoise at 8:12 AM on November 8, 2005

Heh, selfnoise.
posted by metaculpa at 9:17 AM on November 8, 2005

I commend the categorization choice, rather than grab bag.
posted by kcm at 9:18 AM on November 8, 2005

it opens up the 'valve' if you will
posted by postergeist at 9:19 AM on November 8, 2005

When doing so, it tends to generate fewer attention-drawing sounds, generally less vibration, and an opportunity to consider which enemy (or friend) who deserves such an honor, no?
posted by vanoakenfold at 9:32 AM on November 8, 2005 [1 favorite]

Also, even the driest fart is more humid than room air, so raising a cheek helps prevent the dreaded swamp-ass.
posted by nebulawindphone at 9:39 AM on November 8, 2005

So it doesn't backfire and tear a hole in your lower intestines.
posted by bondcliff at 9:39 AM on November 8, 2005

In some households, it's used to torment/infuriate/gross out one's girlfriend.
posted by Space Kitty at 9:46 AM on November 8, 2005

A subconscious, non-verbal warning to your neighbors?
posted by sixpack at 10:41 AM on November 8, 2005

By spreading, it comes out as one largish whooof instead of btbtbtbtthhhhhhpoPOPbth.
posted by PurplePorpoise at 10:48 AM on November 8, 2005

In the context of this game, lifting a cheek was considered audacious and stylish.
posted by horsewithnoname at 11:58 AM on November 8, 2005

Stop it. Milk is coming out of my nose!
posted by mds35 at 5:52 PM on November 8, 2005

In some households, it's used to torment/infuriate/gross out one's girlfriend.

I flagged this comment as, um, noise.

More honestly... I flagged this comment with noise.

(While watching me type this, Space Kitty just said "Get out of my office chair!")
posted by the_bone at 7:42 PM on December 13, 2005