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Gene93 Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary

pout and pucker

Hello,
I would like to ask you a question about the difference between these two verbs. When people pout, they push out their lower lip to show they are upset or angry. Pout ,however, could be used when both lips are pushed out in a more flirty way. As far as I am know, pucker conveys the same or a similar meaning (pushing both lips out). Am I wrong and if I am where do I go wrong? I am just following dictionary definitions.

Thank you in advance
  

Top answer

Pouting is a stand-alone expression, exactly as you state. To "pucker" usually means to prepare one's lips for a kiss. A supermodel will pout for the camera, but will "pucker up" for a kiss.

— Anonymous

  • Pouting is a stand-alone expression, exactly as you state.
  • To "pucker" usually means to prepare one's lips for a kiss.
  • A supermodel will pout for the camera, but will "pucker up" for a kiss.
  • But, sadly, not for me!
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9 Answers
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Pouting is a stand-alone expression, exactly as you state. To "pucker" usually means to prepare one's lips for a kiss.

A supermodel will pout for the camera, but will "pucker up" for a kiss. But, sadly, not for me!
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I associate pout with the shape of the lips when a child sulks. A pucker is more a preparation for a kiss. To 'pucker up' is similar in appearance for the lips but not for the 'frown' that usually accompanies a pout.
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Thank you both. When someone pouts, I think their mouth is slightly open. When one puckers/puckers up, their lips are squeezed together and pushed out. I am splitting hairs here, but that's my opinion for now
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When my wife refuses to pucker up, I tend to pout. I have a moustache which prickles her, so that may be how I split hairs.
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Thank you. Is that the only context where you would use pout? Does that mean one can't pout when putting some lipstick on? The only reason I am asking is the definition provided by Macmillan Dictionary.

Thank you
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Myself, I think of 'pout' as an emotional act. Pursing one's lips would be an unemotional act, preparatory to putting on lipstick. The appearance might look like a pout, but the eyebrows would likely be raised when putting on lipstick--I haven't used lipstick since ... well, Hallowe'en many years ago!
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Thank you. Because mentioned "purse", I would like to ask you a question about it. Cambridge Dictionary says: "to bring your lips tightly together, so that they form a rounded shape, usually as an expression of disapproval." Is that true? I agree with you wholeheartedly and I also think "purse" is not necessarily emotional.
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In the Merriam-Webster free dictionary the definition is similar, but doesn't include any emotional involvement.
I haven't looked at the other dictionaries, but my feeling is that the reason for pursing cannot be assumed by the action.
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Basically, one could just purse. The action is of no account.
Thank you
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