LICKING Meaning and
Definition
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Licking refers to the action of moving the tongue across a surface or object. It is a verb that characterizes the act of using one's tongue to make contact with something for various reasons. This action is commonly associated with the sense of taste, but it can have other functions as well.
From the perspective of taste, licking is often performed to consume food or beverages. It allows the individual to transfer flavors from the tongue to the taste buds, contributing to the sensory experience of consuming something. Additionally, licking can serve as a way to sample or try small amounts of food before fully ingesting it.
Aside from taste, licking may have other purposes. In animals, it is a common act of grooming, where they clean themselves or their offspring. For example, cats lick themselves to keep their fur clean and well-groomed. Similarly, some species of birds use their tongues to moisten their feathers for grooming and maintenance.
Figuratively, the term "licking" can be used to describe defeating or overcoming someone or something. It implies achieving victory or success over a particular situation. This usage is often applied in sports or competitive scenarios.
Overall, licking is a versatile action that serves various purposes, including tasting, grooming, and figurative expressions of triumph.
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• A drawing the tongue over the surface.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LICKING
Etymology of LICKING
The word "licking" originated from the Old English word "liccian", which primarily meant to stroke or touch with the tongue. The term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic language and its word "likkon". Throughout history, the word "licking" has retained its meaning of passing the tongue over something or applying saliva by the tongue.
Idioms with the word LICKING
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take a licking
The idiom "take a licking" means to endure a defeat or hardship, usually with resilience and determination. It refers to the ability to bear tough or challenging circumstances, remaining strong and not giving up despite the difficulties encountered.
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be licking (one's) lips
To "be licking one's lips" is an idiom that refers to someone eagerly anticipating or being extremely excited about something that is about to happen or be obtained. It conveys the image of someone who is so excited that they can't help but lick their lips in anticipation.
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be licking your lips
The idiom "be licking your lips" is an expression that typically means to be eagerly anticipating or looking forward to something with great enthusiasm or excitement. It can convey the idea of being so eager that one can almost taste or savor the anticipated experience or outcome.
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take a licking but keep on ticking
The idiom "take a licking but keep on ticking" means to endure hardships or setbacks but continue to persevere or remain resilient. It often implies the ability to withstand challenges, difficulties, or adverse situations without being easily defeated or giving up. This expression originated from an old advertising slogan for Timex watches, emphasizing their durability and ability to keep working even under harsh conditions.
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take a licking and keep on ticking
The idiom "take a licking and keep on ticking" is commonly used to describe someone or something that can endure hardship, defeat, or damage, yet remains resilient and continues to function or persevere. It originated as a marketing slogan for Timex watches, emphasizing their durability and ability to withstand wear and tear. The phrase has since been adapted to symbolize personal strength, resilience, and the ability to bounce back from adversity.
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ass-licking
Ass-licking is an offensive term used to describe a person who behaves obsequiously in order to gain favor or advantage from someone in a position of authority. It suggests that the person is overly willing to flatter or please others in a sycophantic manner.
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*licking
In a sorry state or condition.
Similar spelling words for LICKING
- likeness,
- Liggins,
- locking,
- Linking,
- lacking,
- Clicking,
- kicking,
- Flicking,
- Slicking,
- liking,
- lurking,
- picking,
- Nicking,
- looking,
- ticking,
- likens,
- leaking.
Conjugate verb Licking
CONDITIONAL
I
would lick
we
would lick
you
would lick
he/she/it
would lick
they
would lick
FUTURE
I
will lick
we
will lick
you
will lick
he/she/it
will lick
they
will lick
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have licked
we
will have licked
you
will have licked
he/she/it
will have licked
they
will have licked
PAST
I
licked
we
licked
you
licked
he/she/it
licked
they
licked
PAST PERFECT
I
had licked
we
had licked
you
had licked
he/she/it
had licked
they
had licked
PRESENT
I
lick
we
lick
you
lick
he/she/it
licks
they
lick
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have licked
we
have licked
you
have licked
he/she/it
has licked
they
have licked
I
am licking
we
are licking
you
are licking
he/she/it
is licking
they
are licking
I
was licking
we
were licking
you
were licking
he/she/it
was licking
they
were licking
I
will be licking
we
will be licking
you
will be licking
he/she/it
will be licking
they
will be licking
I
have been licking
we
have been licking
you
have been licking
he/she/it
has been licking
they
have been licking
I
had been licking
we
had been licking
you
had been licking
he/she/it
had been licking
they
had been licking
I
will have been licking
we
will have been licking
you
will have been licking
he/she/it
will have been licking
they
will have been licking
I
would have licked
we
would have licked
you
would have licked
he/she/it
would have licked
they
would have licked
I
would be licking
we
would be licking
you
would be licking
he/she/it
would be licking
they
would be licking
I
would have been licking
we
would have been licking
you
would have been licking
he/she/it
would have been licking
they
would have been licking
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