Blep

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /blɛp/

Definitions

1. A lighthearted reference to a minor, unexpected protrusion that may occur on the tongue or skin of a creature
2. Describing an innocent and whimsical appearance of a small bump or anomaly found on a living being's body
3. A tiny portion of the tongue sticking out slightly and momentarily ; a subtle, endearing irregularity in facial expression or feature

Etymology: "Blep" is an imitative word, meaning its sound is meant to resemble the thing it describes. The sound of a quick tongue poking out between the lips is a small, wet "blp," and the spelling follows that noise. Internet users adopted it for the cartoonish moment when a cat or dog lets its tongue dart out, and the word then grew into a playful name for it. The same logic applies to the broader meaning. The word refers to a minor, unexpected protrusion, whether on the tongue or the skin, and its bouncy sound suits something small and a little silly. Because it is imitative rather than built from older roots, there is no deeper ancestry to trace, and its appeal lies almost entirely in how closely its shape matches its sound.