Gleeking

Gleeking (also gleeting, gleeping, glitting, gleaking, glicking) is the projection of saliva from the submandibular gland on compression by the tongue.

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Physiology

  In general, gleeking occurs when an accumulation of saliva in the submandibular gland is propelled out in a stream when the gland is compressed by the tongue. The stream of saliva is released in the general direction of the front of the mouth. If the mouth is open the jet may project several feet. Gleeking is more likely when the salivary gland has been recently stimulated, but even a residual amount of saliva in the gland may be released by gleeking.

Gleeking may occur spontaneously due to accidental tongue pressure on the sublingual gland while talking, eating, yawning, or cleaning the teeth. Gleeking can also be induced, for instance, by pressing the underside of the tongue against the palate, then pushing the tongue forward while simultaneously closing the lower jaw and moving it slightly forward; or by yawning deeply and pressing the tongue against the palate. Practice is usually required to induce gleeking consistently, and induction is more likely to be successful under conditions of salivary stimulation (e.g. by certain types of food). This type of spitting can also be referred to as a "cobra", perhaps because it resembles a spitting cobra's venom delivery.

Etymology

The origins of the term gleek are unknown, though it seems likely that the expression is onomatopoeic. Gleek also has the archaic meaning of mockery or insult.

In Elizabethan England, gleek appears in William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, where the character Bottom says, "Nay, I can gleek upon occasion."[1] Literary criticism suggests that gleek in this context means "to jest, or joke."[2]

Example

See also

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