Wordsmith.org: the magic of words

Wordsmith Talk

About Us | What's New | Search | Site Map | Contact Us  

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
#159655 05/11/06 08:40 AM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 270
Logwood Offline OP
enthusiast
OP Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 270
So, apparently "trap" is a slang for mouth (according to freeonlinedictionary anyway). The book I read, describes a man with a "fierce trap of a mouth". If "trap" is slang for mouth, it basically translates as a man with a "fierce mouth of a mouth", which doesn't make any sense... whatsoever!

Anyone?

The context, in case there's any doubt:

"The leader of the guards, Priam was a lanky man with a fierce trap of a mouth."

#159656 05/11/06 09:34 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,379
I
Pooh-Bah
Offline
Pooh-Bah
I
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,379
I've only ever heard slang "trap" used one sentence, "shut yer trap." The one you cite is plain enough, if the word isn't used as slang, and the collision may be deliberate and humorous. Which, and whether good at all is impossible to tell without more context.

#159657 05/11/06 09:47 AM
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
more a reference to a jaw trap, no? snapping shut?


formerly known as etaoin...
#159658 05/11/06 09:56 AM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 270
Logwood Offline OP
enthusiast
OP Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 270
Makes sense, etaoin. Thanks.

#159659 05/11/06 09:16 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,379
I
Pooh-Bah
Offline
Pooh-Bah
I
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,379
Quote:

more a reference to a jaw trap, no? snapping shut?




Sure. I figure that's where the slang comes from too.


Moderated by  Jackie 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Forum Statistics
Forums16
Topics13,912
Posts229,283
Members9,179
Most Online3,341
Dec 9th, 2011
Newest Members
TRIALNERRA, befuddledmind, KILL_YOUR_SUV, Heather_Turey, Standy
9,179 Registered Users
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 444 guests, and 3 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Top Posters(30 Days)
Top Posters
wwh 13,858
Faldage 13,803
Jackie 11,613
tsuwm 10,542
wofahulicodoc 10,510
LukeJavan8 9,916
AnnaStrophic 6,511
Wordwind 6,296
of troy 5,400
Disclaimer: Wordsmith.org is not responsible for views expressed on this site. Use of this forum is at your own risk and liability - you agree to hold Wordsmith.org and its associates harmless as a condition of using it.

Home | Today's Word | Yesterday's Word | Subscribe | FAQ | Archives | Search | Feedback
Wordsmith Talk | Wordsmith Chat

© 1994-2024 Wordsmith

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5