1. -NM-

    -NM- Active Member

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    Word to describe surprise at a sour taste

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by -NM-, Dec 29, 2016.

    I'm trying to think of a word to describe the kind of expression the face might make if you unexpectedly bit into something quite sour. It would be a kind of surprised look, eyebrows would raise, mouth might contort a bit. It's not really a wince or a flinch or a grimace or a scowl. I'm not sure if there is a specific word that fits, or if i'd just need to simply describe the look.

    Can anyone think of what would be right here?

    Thanks.
     
  2. izzybot

    izzybot (unspecified) Contributor

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    Lips puckering, eyes squeezing shut, shuddering ... Yeah, there's plenty of ways to describe it; can't think of a single word, though.
     
  3. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

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    Grimace, I think, is the closest, but you still may need to contextualize the reason for the grimace. I agree with @izzybot, you're going to have draw this one.
     
  4. footbeat

    footbeat New Member

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    The word acidulous comes to mind. Although it may seem to refer to a more specific subset of sour flavors that are acidic, I think that this word captures the face in my mind.
     
  5. SethLoki

    SethLoki Retired Autodidact Contributor

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    I don't know if this requires a trigger warning but a simile that's stuck with me regarding this is:

    ...a face like a bulldog that's licking piss off a nettle.
     

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