lip curl

or lip-curl

[ lip kurl ]

noun

1. Animal Behavior.
   1. in dogs, a lifting of the upper lip as a warning, either to humans or to other animals:

      In dog language, that lip curl is actually a peaceable signal—the dog is hoping the other dog understands that it wants to be left alone.

   2. Also lip curling. in deer and other artiodactyls, horses, and felines, an upward curling of the upper lip to aid the sense of smell by increasing the flow of air through the nostrils and exposing the auxiliary olfactory organs: a characteristic component of the flehmen response and sometimes also a sign of pain or symptom of disease.
2. in humans, an arching of one side of the upper lip, expressing either scorn or sexual interest:

   She could not speak of defectors and informers without a lip curl.

   He does a great Elvis impression—tantalizing lip curl and all.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lip curl¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Sarah felt her lip curl; but the thought of Horatia checked her.

From Project Gutenberg

"See what comes of tampering with the truth," she said, and I could see her short lip curl with scorn.

From Project Gutenberg

Ardea confessed ignorance, and he went on, with a lip-curl of contempt.

From Project Gutenberg

She was crossing the room in front of Drake, and he saw her lip curl with a faint sneer.

From Project Gutenberg

I saw my grandmother's lip curl, and my mother look astonished.

From Project Gutenberg