Pronunciation: [ʃˈə͡ʊd tˈiːθ] (IPA) 
The phrase "showed teeth" is spelled with the "sh" sound represented by the IPA symbol /ʃ/, followed by the "owe" sound represented by /oʊ/, and the "d" sound represented by /d/. The final "teeth" sound is spelled with the "ee" sound represented by /iː/, followed by the "th" sound represented by /θ/. Together, the spelling of "showed teeth" accurately represents the distinct sounds used to form the phrase.
The phrase "showed teeth" is an idiomatic expression that suggests a form of aggression, hostility, or a display of force in a confrontational situation. It is often used to describe an individual's behavior or gesture when they present a threatening or menacing stance.
This expression metaphorically refers to the literal act of an animal, particularly predators, baring its teeth as a warning sign or a prelude to attack. Similarly, when a person "shows teeth," they display a similar assertive or dangerous demeanor. It can manifest in various ways, such as glaring, snarling, or physically showing the teeth in a visible manner.
The act of "showing teeth" implies a readiness to engage in conflict or assert dominance. It signifies the individual's intention of defending themselves or their interests, often as a result of a perceived threat or provocation. This behavior typically aims to intimidate or dissuade others from challenging their position, thus establishing a sense of power or control in a given situation.
In general, the phrase "showed teeth" illustrates an individual's reaction to an antagonistic circumstance, where they make it known that they are prepared to protect or assert themselves aggressively if necessary. Consequently, understanding this expression assists in comprehending the contextual nature of confrontations, displays of aggression, and the potential escalation of conflict.
The phrase "showed teeth" does not have a specific etymology in itself, as it is an idiomatic expression derived from the literal meaning of the words "showed" and "teeth". However, the history and origins of the individual words can provide some context.
The word "showed" is the past tense of the verb "show", which originated from the Old English word "sceawian" meaning "to look at, behold". It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "skawwōną" and can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root word "*skew(h)-" meaning "to look, see".
The word "teeth" is the plural form of the noun "tooth". "Tooth" comes from the Old English word "tōþ", which is akin to other Germanic and Scandinavian languages such as Dutch and Swedish.
