Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Lisp Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🗣️
Add to dictionary

lisp

[lɪsp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

speech impediment

A lisp is a speech defect that is characterized by the inability to pronounce 's' and 'z' sounds correctly. Instead of producing these sounds, a person might substitute them with a 'th' sound. This can lead to a distinctive way of speaking that is often noticed by others.

Synonyms

speech defect, speech disorder.

Examples of usage

  • She has a slight lisp.
  • The child is working on improving his lisp.
  • His lisp makes it adorable when he speaks.
Context #2 | Noun

programming language

Lisp is a family of programming languages known for their fully parenthesized prefix notation. It was designed in 1958 by John McCarthy for artificial intelligence research and is one of the oldest high-level programming languages still in use today.

Synonyms

Lisp dialects, Lisp language.

Examples of usage

  • Lisp is often used in AI development.
  • Many algorithms can be implemented efficiently in Lisp.
  • The unique syntax of Lisp can be challenging for beginners.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that children often outgrow a lisp as their speech develops, typically by age 5 or 6.
  • Social acceptance plays a role, as some individuals with a lisp feel self-conscious about it while others embrace it as part of their identity.

Pop Culture

  • Many characters in cartoons and films, like Sylvester the Cat, are portrayed with a lisp for comedic effect.
  • Some public figures, like celebrities or animated characters, may have lisps that become part of their recognizable persona.

Linguistics

  • A lisp is often categorized into types, including 'interdental', where 's' sounds are pronounced with the tongue between the teeth.
  • Speech therapists use various techniques to help individuals adjust their speech patterns and reduce or eliminate a lisp.

Education

  • Children with speech difficulties like a lisp can benefit from early intervention programs that focus on pronunciation skills.
  • Many schools include speech therapy as part of their special education services to support students with lisps or other speech challenges.

Origin of 'lisp'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'lisp' comes from the Old English word 'wlispian', which means to speak thinly or weakly.
  • In Middle English, the word evolved into 'lispe', reflecting its connection to specific speech sounds that are not pronounced correctly.

The term 'lisp' originates from the Old English word 'lispian', which means 'to lisp' or 'to speak indistinctly'. It has been used to describe someone who has difficulty pronouncing specific sounds, particularly 's' and 'z'. The speech defect is often noticeable in children, and while many outgrow it, some retain it into adulthood. The word has also been adopted into the field of linguistics, where it is used more broadly to describe speech impairments. Additionally, the programming language Lisp was named so due to its use of list processing, a cornerstone of its design, indicating a different source for the same phonetic resemblance. Designed by John McCarthy in the 1950s, Lisp significantly influenced AI research and functional programming.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,229 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.