lisp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral
Quick answer
What does “lisp” mean?
A speech impediment characterized by difficulty pronouncing the 's' and 'z' sounds, often substituting them with a 'th' sound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A speech impediment characterized by difficulty pronouncing the 's' and 'z' sounds, often substituting them with a 'th' sound.
To speak with such an impediment; figuratively, to speak softly, hesitantly, or in a childish manner. In computing, a high-level programming language (LISP).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is essentially identical in meaning and frequency. The metaphorical/figurative use ('to lisp a reply') might be slightly more common in UK literary contexts.
Connotations
Generally neutral for describing the speech condition, but can be perceived as dated or slightly insensitive if used mockingly. The computing term is technical and neutral.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency as a linguistic term; rare in everyday conversation outside specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “lisp” in a Sentence
[subject] lisps[subject] lisps [object/speech][subject] speaks with a lispVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lisp” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The young boy would lisp his 's' sounds charmingly.
- She lisps slightly when she's nervous.
American English
- He lisps his name as 'Tham'.
- The actor learned to lisp for the role.
adverb
British English
- 'Thorry,' he said lispingly. (rare, literary)
American English
- She spoke lispingly into the microphone. (rare)
adjective
British English
- He has a lisping quality to his voice. (less common, participial adjective)
- The lisping pronunciation was noted by the therapist.
American English
- Her lisping speech required some therapy. (participial adjective)
- The character's lisping dialogue was hard to understand.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in linguistics, speech pathology, and psychology contexts.
Everyday
Used to describe a specific speech pattern, often in reference to oneself or a child.
Technical
Primary use is for the programming language LISP (List Processing).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lisp”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lisp”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lisp”
- Confusing 'lisp' (speech sound) with 'slur' (blurred speech).
- Using it as a general synonym for any speech problem.
- Misspelling as 'lisb' or 'lips'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A lisp is a specific articulation error for 's' and 'z' sounds. A stutter (or stammer) is a fluency disorder involving repetitions, prolongations, or blocks in the flow of speech.
Yes, often through speech and language therapy, especially for children. Treatment involves learning correct tongue placement and airflow for the 's' and 'z' sounds.
It is a standard, neutral clinical term. However, context and intent matter. Using it mockingly or to belittle someone would be offensive. Many people with the condition use the term matter-of-factly.
There is no linguistic connection. The programming language's name is a contraction of 'LISt Processor'. The homonymy is coincidental.
A speech impediment characterized by difficulty pronouncing the 's' and 'z' sounds, often substituting them with a 'th' sound.
Lisp is usually neutral in register.
Lisp: in British English it is pronounced /lɪsp/, and in American English it is pronounced /lɪsp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone saying 'LISP' itself with the impediment: 'LITH-P'. The 's' becomes a 'th' sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPERFECT SPEECH IS A PHYSICAL OBSTRUCTION (e.g., 'He struggled through his words with a lisp').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'LISP' most commonly used as a technical term?