Meaning & Definition of word "Lisp"

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    Lisp

    /lɪsp/

    noun:

    • 1. A speech defect resulting in the inability to pronounce sibilant sounds (such as 's' and 'z') correctly, often producing them as 'th' sounds.
      • Example: The child's lisp made it difficult for him to say his name clearly.
    • 2. A manner of speaking that has a lisp.
      • Example: She spoke with a charming lisp that made her all the more endearing.

    verb:

    • 1. To speak with a lisp.
      • Example: He began to lisp after he lost his front teeth.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from the Old English word 'wlispian' meaning 'to speak with a lisp'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    lisping child:

    A child who has a lisp.

    speak with a lisp:

    To pronounce words in a manner that involves the lisp speech defect.

    overcome a lisp:

    To improve or correct the speech defect associated with a lisp.

    Related Words

    speech therapy:

    A type of therapy aimed at improving communication skills.

    articulation:

    The physical production of particular speech sounds.

    phonetics:

    The study of the sounds of human speech.

    Slang Meanings of lisp

    Meaning: A term of affection or teasing for someone who has a lisp.

    Example Sentence: We call him 'lisping Larry' because he has the cutest lisp.

    Meaning: Used humorously to describe someone who speaks in a way that emphasizes sibilance.

    Example Sentence: She was lisping on purpose while imitating the character.