pucker one's lips or purse one's lips (2025)

E

Eric001

Senior Member

Beijing

Chinese-Beijing

  • Apr 19, 2010
  • #1

Hi, everyone
What is the difference between pucker one's lips and purse one's lips? I mean the actions involved. And do you use "purse" in this meaning a lot?

Thank you.

  • M

    mnolan90

    Member

    Salamanca, Spain

    English - Ireland

    • Apr 19, 2010
    • #2

    I can´t say for certain, but I think that if you "pucker " your lips, you are generally preparing for a kiss, and to "purse" them is just to push them forward for any reason, for example to put on lipstick or make a face.
    That´s always the impression I got anyway! To be honest I don´t think I´ve ever used either phrase!

    E

    Eric001

    Senior Member

    Beijing

    Chinese-Beijing

    • Apr 19, 2010
    • #3

    Thanks, mnolan90. Sometimes I don't understand why English has this many words of which Nobody can and need to remember and use.

    AngelEyes

    Senior Member

    Detroit, Michigan

    English - United States

    • Apr 19, 2010
    • #4

    You ask an interesting question because both words mean to press your lips together in a forward pout.

    I guess it's a matter of style and conditioning from what we've been taught, too, so the answers you receive will be highly individualized.

    When I hear the word pucker, the picture in my mind is one of a little more exaggeration of the movement. To pucker your lips to kiss someone, I'd expect them to smack you on the mouth because I use the word pucker to be less romantic an action than something else.

    But to purse your lips and press them against another's lips is a slower, more seductive action.

    Again, you get basically the same result, but both the action and the intention has subtle but very strong differences in my mind.

    Others will probably have totally different opinions, and some may say there is no difference.

    I never pucker or purse when I put on lipstick because you need a smooth surface to apply it correctly.

    I also agree that you can purse your lips for other reasons besides kissing.

    The more I think about it, the easier it is for me to understand your confusion. pucker one's lips or purse one's lips (2)

    panjandrum

    Senior Member

    Belfast, Ireland

    English-Ireland (top end)

    • Apr 19, 2010
    • #5

    Just to illustrate the individual answers pucker one's lips or purse one's lips (4)
    I think of pucker for kissing, purse for disapproval.

    AngelEyes

    Senior Member

    Detroit, Michigan

    English - United States

    • Apr 19, 2010
    • #6

    panjandrum said:

    ...purse for disapproval.

    Hmm, maybe it's just me.

    But if you read, "She pursed her lips and pressed them to his forehead."

    What adverb would come to mind to describe the press of that kiss?
    For me, it would be tenderly, sweetly, slowly.

    If you read, "She puckered her lips and..."
    What? Pressed?
    Wouldn't you use another verb here? Pucker conjures up a less romantic image in my mind.
    For instance, "...and smacked him/them on his forehead."
    And wouldn't different adverbs come to mind also?
    For me: playfully, kiddingly, quickly, innocently

    See? These are the differences I was talking about. pucker one's lips or purse one's lips (6)

    Sorry, Eric. No wonder you get confused!

    E

    Eric001

    Senior Member

    Beijing

    Chinese-Beijing

    • Apr 19, 2010
    • #7

    Thank you. AngelEyes and panjandrum, I am getting more confused thanks to your explanation. pucker one's lips or purse one's lips (7) But it is quite understandable-you live an ocean away but the two lips meet a million times a day. I mean that is what language is like, it is something that makes sense to a group of people who live not far.

    O

    omgoodness

    New Member

    English

    • Feb 4, 2011
    • #8

    Pursing one's lips is when lips are pushed forward and is often used by celebrities/stars to make their lips appear fuller or to look sexy.
    Puckered lips are more exaggerated than pursed lips. Generally one puckers, sticks their lips out in exaggerated purse, to indicate they want a kiss or are preparing to kiss. The term "pucker up" refers to this kissing movement. However, ones lips also 'pucker' when one has eaten something particularly sour or tart like lemons.

    M

    mokinga

    Member

    Australia

    Polish

    • Feb 5, 2011
    • #9

    In my experience, "to pucker one's lips" means to pout them out as if about to kiss, while "to purse one's lips" is to press your lips tightly in a round shape often to show disapproval or anger. To me, pursed lips can often be accompanied by a frown or a 'hmmm' sound or any other indication of disapproval. I don't think that 'puckered lips' are used in such circumstances.

    M

    marvo1959

    New Member

    English UK

    • Jun 20, 2011
    • #10

    In English English as opposed to American English the two words have different meanings; to pucker is to push the lips forward, as if to kiss; to purse one’s lips is to stiffen the lips by pressing them together and drawing them back as if to reproach. The reason that English has so many words is because used correctly it can precisely describe almost anything, painting a picture with words.

    You must log in or register to reply here.

    pucker one's lips or purse one's lips (2025)
    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6748

    Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

    Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

    Birthday: 1999-05-27

    Address: Apt. 171 8116 Bailey Via, Roberthaven, GA 58289

    Phone: +2585395768220

    Job: Lead Liaison

    Hobby: Lockpicking, LARPing, Lego building, Lapidary, Macrame, Book restoration, Bodybuilding

    Introduction: My name is Sen. Ignacio Ratke, I am a adventurous, zealous, outstanding, agreeable, precious, excited, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.