drool

Part of Speech

Verb, Noun

Pronunciation

/druːl/

Definitions

• Verb: To let saliva drip from the mouth, often involuntarily.
• Verb (informal): To show excessive enthusiasm or admiration for something, often in a way that is considered excessive or unattractive.
• Noun: Saliva that drips from the mouth, often due to being asleep or in a state of relaxation.
• Noun (informal): An excessive or exaggerated display of admiration or desire for something.

Usage Examples

• "The baby began to drool after seeing the cookie."
• "He drooled over the new sports car, imagining himself behind the wheel."
• "She woke up with a trail of drool on her pillow."
• "They drooled over the celebrity’s latest fashion line."

Etymology

The word "drool" dates back to the Middle English word "drol," which referred to saliva or a similar substance. It was used as a verb in the 14th century to describe the act of letting saliva drip. Over time, the word also acquired a figurative sense, meaning to show excessive admiration or desire for something, especially in a way that appears unrestrained or unattractive.

Synonyms

• Slaver
• Salivate
• Foam
• Yearn
• Gaze
• Fawn

Antonyms

• Swallow
• Restrain
• Control
• Disregard
• Ignore

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "drool" may vary slightly across different English-speaking regions. In some dialects, the vowel sound in "drool" may be elongated, while others might pronounce it more quickly with a softer "r" sound. In general, the word retains a consistent meaning across regional accents, though variations in pronunciation can affect the perception of the word in different cultures.

Historical Usage

First recorded in the 14th century, "drool" was initially used to describe the act of saliva flowing from the mouth, especially in relation to sleep or involuntary actions. Over time, it evolved into a figurative term used to describe excessive admiration or desire for something, often in an unflattering or over-the-top manner. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it became a popular term in colloquial English, often used to describe someone expressing unrestrained enthusiasm.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, "drooling" is associated with a lack of control, especially when it occurs involuntarily during sleep or due to illness. The figurative use of "drooling" to describe excessive admiration or desire, often in a negative sense, suggests a lack of self-control or sophistication. In pop culture, the term has been humorously used to describe someone overly eager for something, particularly in a way that seems childish or inappropriate.

More Information

The word "drool" has a broad range of meanings, from the literal physical act of salivating to a more figurative expression of intense desire. While it is commonly used in a humorous or negative context, it remains a useful descriptor in both everyday and literary language. The term "drooling" can also be used to express extreme admiration or even envy, often reflecting a sense of longing or unfulfilled desire. The evolution of "drool" in the English language illustrates how a term originally linked to a physical process has come to capture a wide array of emotional and cultural nuances.