How do you say "To suck one’s teeth"? (Specific Languages) Language Learning Forum

How do you say "To suck one’s teeth"?
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11 messages over 2 pages: 1 2

jimbo baby!
Senior Member
United States
Joined 5977 days ago
202 posts - 208 votes

2 sounds
Speaks: English*

Message 9 of 11

14 July 2009 at 5:06am | IP Logged

Sunja wrote:

jimbo baby! wrote:

You're right, but I was referring to another sound. Tutting is the "tsk-tsk" or "tut-tut" sound. I was thinking of the longer sound that's slightly different. It's one continuous sound rather than short multiple sounds. They are both used to express contempt or disapproval but tsk-tsk is more for expressing it in a condescending manner while sucking one's teeth is used to show that someone is perturbed or upset.

Yeah. There's plenty of cultural references, but I was amazed that there's also stuff on the internet about it: "tut-tutting". Couldn't find it for the language that I'm studying, though. I guess those coutries that are inclined to "tsk" are listed and those that aren't, aren't. :) Tsk!

EDIT: oh, I see. Sorry, your thread title led me to the "tsk" thing. I only got the one reference. Are you talking about inhaling through your teeth? I'd think a lot of different people do that but I've never seen anyone put a stamp of claim on it.

It sounds like saliva being sucked in through clenched teeth, and the tongue is pressed against the palate and teeth. I'll try to find a clip on the internet to show what I mean. I haven't been able to find much information about it. It's apparently not as popular as I originally thought.
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sonsenfrancais
Groupie
United Kingdom
sonsenfrancais.
Joined 5979 days ago
75 posts - 85 votes

Speaks: French^C2

Message 10 of 11

14 July 2009 at 12:25pm | IP Logged

What a wonderful discussion!

I'm not sure the expression is much used in English now. It's a sort of World War 2, London Cockney thing. For instance, in The Cruel sea of Nicolas Montsarrat a seaman who has been told off by an officer 'sucks his teeth' rebelliously. "Don't make that disgusting noise!" snapped Lockhart. "Sorry sir" said the seaman. "Bad tooth"

So it's an expression of disapproval, thinly hidden

What would you say in French? Attitude sournoise ?
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guilon
Pentaglot
Senior Member
Spain
Joined 6192 days ago
226 posts - 229 votes

Speaks: Spanish*, Portuguese^C2, French^C2, Italian, English

Message 11 of 11

16 July 2009 at 7:28am | IP Logged

I have never heard of a specific verb for this in French, just the plain exclamation, that is "tss tss", used with
some verbs, some examples:

-"tss, tss" fit-il dédaigneusement...
-"tss, tss" siffla-t-elle en hochant la tête...
-"tss, tss" grimaça le professeur
-"tss, tss" rouspeta-t-il
-il faisait un tss, tss à chaque balle manquée
-il partit écœuré, un tss, tss sur les lèvres.

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