Licker: meaning, definitions and examples

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licker

[ˈlɪkər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

informal

A person or animal that licks something.

Synonyms

lapper, lapper-upper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
licker	Repeated due to typo; same context as above. The licker's enthusiasm was evident as the dog greeted her owner. He's a licker of envelopes, always volunteering to help with the mailing.
lapper	Commonly refers to an animal that laps up water or liquid using its tongue. Normally not used for humans. Often observed in the description of pets or wildlife. The cat is a neat lapper, making hardly any sound as it drinks. Out in the wild, the deer is a gentle lapper at the edge of the stream.
lapper-upper	This term is rarely used and can sound awkward. It typically describes someone or something that enthusiastically consumes or enjoys something, often quickly or voraciously. At the party, he was the lapper-upper of all the compliments, basking in the attention. When it comes to new information, she's a lapper-upper, always eager to learn more.

Word

Description / Examples

licker

Repeated due to typo; same context as above.

The licker's enthusiasm was evident as the dog greeted her owner.
He's a licker of envelopes, always volunteering to help with the mailing.

lapper

Commonly refers to an animal that laps up water or liquid using its tongue. Normally not used for humans. Often observed in the description of pets or wildlife.

The cat is a neat lapper, making hardly any sound as it drinks.
Out in the wild, the deer is a gentle lapper at the edge of the stream.

lapper-upper

This term is rarely used and can sound awkward. It typically describes someone or something that enthusiastically consumes or enjoys something, often quickly or voraciously.

At the party, he was the lapper-upper of all the compliments, basking in the attention.
When it comes to new information, she's a lapper-upper, always eager to learn more.

Examples of usage

He was known as the licker of the group, always licking his fingers after a meal.
The licker dog wagged his tail happily as he licked his owner's face.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

slang

A person who is overly eager or interested in something.

Synonyms

devotee, enthusiast, fanatic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
licker	Used in a negative sense to describe someone who excessively flatters or shows ridiculous levels of devotion to someone else, often for personal gain. Everyone at the office knew John was just the boss's licker, always agreeing with her no matter what she said
enthusiast	Neutral term for a person who is very interested in and passionate about a specific activity or subject. Mark is a car enthusiast who spends weekends working on his vintage models
fanatic	Usually used in a negative or extreme context to describe someone with intense, unwavering zeal or support for a specific cause, often to the point of irrationality. His friends were worried because he had become a fitness fanatic, working out multiple times a day and following extreme diets
devotee	Appropriate for describing someone who is dedicated to a particular person, activity, or cause. It conveys a sense of respect and admiration. She's a devoted yoga devotee, practicing every morning without fail

Examples of usage

She's a real licker for fashion, always following the latest trends.
Don't be such a licker for compliments, learn to appreciate yourself.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Old English 'liccian,' which meant to lick or lap up.
It has been used in the English language since at least the 15th century, relating to the action of tasting or moistening with the tongue.

Animal Behavior

Many animals, like dogs and cats, lick for various reasons, including grooming, tasting, or showing affection.
In some species, licking is a social behavior, helping to bond or communicate with others.

Pop Culture

In popular media, 'licker' is used humorously to describe someone who enjoys ice cream or candy a bit too much.
The word has appeared in various song lyrics, adding a playful twist to the context of taste and flavor.

Psychology

The act of licking can be associated with comfort, as some small children suck their thumbs or lick objects to feel relaxed.
It’s also linked to exploration, as many young animals explore their environment using their tongues.

Culinary Use

In cooking terminology, a 'licker' may refer to someone who enjoys sampling and tasting food during preparation.
Certain recipes, especially desserts, encourage tasting with the tongue, emphasizing the importance of flavor.

Translations

Translations of the word "licker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lamedor

🇮🇳 चाटने वाला

🇩🇪 Lecker

🇮🇩 penjilat

🇺🇦 лизун

🇵🇱 lizus

🇯🇵 舐める者 (nameru mono)

🇫🇷 lécheur

🇪🇸 lamedor

🇹🇷 yalayıcı

🇰🇷 핥는 사람 (halseun saram)

🇸🇦 لاعق

🇨🇿 lízák

🇸🇰 lízadlo

🇨🇳 舔食者 (tiǎnshí zhě)

🇸🇮 lizalec

🇮🇸 sleikjari

🇰🇿 жалаушы

🇬🇪 ლოკვა (lokva)

🇦🇿 yalağan

🇲🇽 lamedor

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,419, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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38416 beanie
38417 pruner
38418 bewitchment
38419 licker
38420 hobnailed
38421 cheep
38422 deodorizer
...