γλωττοδεψέω

Ancient Greek

Etymology

From γλῶττα (glôtta, tongue) + δέψω (dépsō, to knead, work, dress (leather)); literally “to work the tongue”.

Pronunciation

 

Verb

γλωττοδεψέω • (glōttodepséō)

  1. (vulgar) to perform obscene acts with the tongue
    • EM, s.v. γλωττοδεψεῖν:
      Γλωττοδεψεῖν· αἰσχρουργεῖν.
      Glōttodepseîn; aiskhrourgeîn.
      To practice tongue-working: to commit obscene acts.
    • Com., Adesp. 32:
      γλωττοδεψεῖν μάχλον
      glōttodepseîn mákhlon
      to perform a sexually obscene act involving the tongue (of a sexually wanton person).

Conjugation

Usage notes

  • γλωττοδεψέω (glōttodepséō) is an extremely rare and explicitly obscene verb, attested primarily in ancient lexicographical sources.
  • The metaphor derives from the sense of “working” or “manipulating” (δέψω), applied euphemistically to sexual use of the tongue.
  • Ancient lexica equate it directly with αἰσχρουργέω (aiskhrourgéō).

References