cataglottism

qroqqa commented on the word cataglottism

a good classical word for a tongue kiss, a French kiss

September 1, 2008

mysticgypsy commented on the word cataglottism

Kissing using the tongue, French kissing.

This term, albeit potentially useful, is so rare that I cannot find a modern example outside lists of weird words. Its Greek prefix — meaning “down�?, but often with an implication of disparagement or abuse or of something inferior or unpleasant — turns up also in cataclysm, catastrophe, catafalque, and catarrh — a dispiriting set of bed-fellows for this mildly erotic term. Its second part is from Greek glottis, a variant of glossa, tongue. As that word could also mean “throat�? (and has been borrowed to provide the English medical term for the vocal cords and the space between them), you might translate the stem of cataglottism as deep throat. But let’s not go there ...

October 15, 2008

mollusque commented on the word cataglottism

There is none of the excessive cataglottism indulged in by canines. Cats only give affection where it is deserved, except sometimes through sheer perversity, when they annoy an ailurophobe with their attentions.

--Carl Van Vechten, 1996, The Tiger in the House, p. 30

October 15, 2008

jmjarmstrong commented on the word cataglottism

JM cannot believe it is called cataglottism! That's just ramming it down your throat!

December 27, 2009

sionnach commented on the word cataglottism

And here I thought this was the word for the state you're in when the cat's got your tongue.

March 26, 2010

bilby commented on the word cataglottism

Boris, behave!

March 26, 2010

sionnach commented on the word cataglottism

Boris is entirely well-behaved these days

peace on earth .

We think it's the yoga that has transmogrified the moggie.

March 26, 2010