Lisp

usgb/lɪsp/
noun

A type of speech defect that makes 's' and 'z' sounds come out wrong.

The little boy had a lisp.
Visual representation of "lisp" - A type of speech defect that makes 's' and 'z' sounds come out wrong.

Often appears as...

  • speak with a lisp
  • have a slight lisp
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "lisp"
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Speech Difficulty

A lisp is not a choice. It's a challenge some people face and can be sensitive about.

Illustration for Speech Difficulty
She's been working hard to overcome her lisp.
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Not an Accent

A lisp differs from an accent. Accents are about pronunciation patterns, while a lisp is a specific speech issue.

Illustration for Not an Accent
His lisp stood out, not because of an accent but because of the way he pronounced 's.'
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Common Misconception

Lisps are often wrongly thought to affect only 's' sounds, but 'z' sounds are also typically involved.

Illustration for Common Misconception
People noticed his lisp more when he said 'zebras' than when he said 'sun.'
Visual representation of the word "Lisp"

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