Gleeking 3869277 223116090 2008-07-02T17:19:05Z 216.145.77.109 '''Gleeking''' (also '''gleeting''', '''gleeping''', '''glitting''', '''gleaking''', '''glicking''','''glanding''') is the projection of [[saliva]] from the [[submandibular gland]] upon compression by the [[tongue]].{{wiktionary|gleek}} ==Physiology== [[Image:Illu quiz hn 02.jpg|thumb|160px|right|Gleeking involves the [[mouth]], [[tongue]], and [[submandibular gland]] (#2 in diagram)]] 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 [[Manner of articulation|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). == Etymology == [[Image:gleek.jpg|thumb|left|An example of gleeking]] 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|''A Midsummer Night's Dream,'']] where the character Bottom says, "Nay, I can ''gleek'' upon occasion."[http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/midsummer/5/] Literary criticism suggests that ''gleek'' in this context means "to jest, or joke."[http://books.google.com/books?id=Q3ULAAAAIAAJ&pg=RA2-PA366-IA3&lpg=RA2-PA366-IA3&dq=nay+can+i+gleek+upon+occasion&source=web&ots=1tWxIEZczZ&sig=HRzHxZHjC0rq0kPt8wBlSpW-4fE] == See also == * [[Children's street culture]] ==External links== * [http://www.doubletongued.org/index.php/dictionary/gleek/ Entry at Double-Tongued Word Wrester] * [http://william-shakespeare.info/william-shakespeare-dictionary-g.htm ''Gleek'' in the Shakespeare Dictionary] * [http://www.hyw.com/books/history/Medi0015.htm Medieval Origins: Words and phrases that evolved during the Medieval period] * [http://monty-flatts.blogspot.com/2007/12/gleeking-more-than-just-spitting.html An informative account of the background and performance of gleeking.] [[Category:Body fluids]]