lip curl

or lip-curl

[ lip kurl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Animal Behavior.
1. in dogs, a lifting of the upper lip as a warning, either to humans or to other animals:
  In dog language, that lip curl is actually a peaceable signal—the dog is hoping the other dog understands that it wants to be left alone.
2. Also lip curl·ing. in deer and other artiodactyls, horses, and felines, an upward curling of the upper lip to aid the sense of smell by increasing the flow of air through the nostrils and exposing the auxiliary olfactory organs: a characteristic component of the flehmen response and sometimes also a sign of pain or symptom of disease.
in humans, an arching of one side of the upper lip, expressing either scorn or sexual interest:
She could not speak of defectors and informers without a lip curl.
He does a great Elvis impression—tantalizing lip curl and all.

First recorded in 1875–80

Sarah felt her lip curl; but the thought of Horatia checked her.

"See what comes of tampering with the truth," she said, and I could see her short lip curl with scorn.

Ardea confessed ignorance, and he went on, with a lip-curl of contempt.

She was crossing the room in front of Drake, and he saw her lip curl with a faint sneer.

I saw my grandmother's lip curl, and my mother look astonished.

Browse