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DictionaryRoot: awlyspian
Old English

awlyspian

to pronounce s and z imperfectly

1 / 1
A tightly focused articulation exercise showing an older woman's interdental tongue placement while attempting the sibilants on a practice card.
noun / verb

lisp

LISP/lɪsp/

A way of speaking that alters s and z sounds, often making them sound like th.

Etymology
lispOld Englishto pronounce s and z imperfectly

The Old English verb described imperfect pronunciation of 's' and 'z'; the noun names that speech habit. The underlying adjective meaning 'lisping' was probably imitative.

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