Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
noun
The sound made by sucking one's teeth.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Caribbean, dialectal, onomatopoeic
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To suck one's teeth, indicating disappointment, derision or disgust.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Caribbean, Jamaica, dialectal, onomatopoeic
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: kiss one's teeth, suck one's teeth
Antonyms: none provided
History
Imitative of the act of sucking one's teeth as a gesture of annoyance or disapproval. Native to the English-speaking West Indies, e.g. Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago etc. In Jamaica, the term "kissing teeth" is used instead.
Across languages
8 source translations are retained for this English entry.
