lip
UK[lɪp]US[lɪp]
n
Either of the two soft, fleshy parts that form the upper and lower edges of the opening of the mouth.
n
The edge of a hollow container or an opening.
n
Impudent or disrespectful talk.
Etymology
The word 'lip' has a direct and ancient lineage within the Germanic branch of languages. It descends from the Old English 'lippa', which shares a common ancestor with words across the Germanic family, all referring to the same physical feature. Scholars trace its ultimate origin to the Proto-Indo-European root leb-, meaning 'to lick', establishing a clear, logical connection between the action and the body part primarily involved. This straightforward term has maintained its core anatomical meaning for millennia, while also developing figurative extensions to describe edges and, metaphorically, impudent speech.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Germanic origin. The Old English form was 'lippa', related to similar words in other Germanic languages like Old Frisian 'lippa', Middle Dutch 'lippe', and Old High German 'lefs'. Its ultimate origin is likely from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to lick' or 'lip'.
Examples
She bit her lip nervously while waiting for the results.
The lip of the teacup was chipped.
Don't give me any of your lip—just do as you're told.