bucktooth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “bucktooth” mean?
A large front tooth that sticks out prominently.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large front tooth that sticks out prominently.
A term for describing a person with one or more prominent, protruding front teeth, often used in a somewhat informal, descriptive, or mildly derogatory manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term similarly.
Connotations
Can be seen as slightly childish, teasing, or unkind in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “bucktooth” in a Sentence
He was bucktoothed.She had prominent buckteeth.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bucktooth” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cartoon character had a classic bucktoothed smile.
American English
- He was often teased for being bucktoothed as a kid.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare; the formal/medical term would be 'prognathism' or 'dental protrusion'.
Everyday
Used informally in descriptive speech, but potentially insensitive.
Technical
Not used in formal dentistry; terms like 'overjet' or 'Class II malocclusion' are preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bucktooth”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bucktooth”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bucktooth”
- Using it as a formal medical term (incorrect).
- Spelling as two words: 'buck tooth' (less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and can be considered impolite or hurtful if used to describe a person directly. It's better to use neutral descriptions like 'protruding teeth'.
The standard plural is 'buckteeth'.
Yes, 'bucktoothed' is the common adjective form (e.g., a bucktoothed smile).
The term evokes animals like rabbits, beavers, and rodents, which have prominent front incisors for gnawing.
A large front tooth that sticks out prominently.
Bucktooth is usually informal in register.
Bucktooth: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʌkˌtuːθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʌkˌtuθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Grin like a bucktoothed rabbit.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BUCK rabbit with large front TEETH.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEETH ARE TOOLS (for gnawing, like a rodent's).
Practice
Quiz
Which context is 'bucktooth' LEAST appropriate for?