Meaning
A childish gesture of mockery.
Cultural Background
Often accompanied by the sound 'be-be-be'. It is a staple of childhood and seen as a harmless way for kids to express defiance. In contrast to Lithuania, showing the tongue is a traditional greeting and a sign of respect, showing you have no evil thoughts. In the Haka dance, sticking out the tongue (whetero) is a sign of defiance and strength, not childish mockery. Showing the tongue can be seen as quite offensive, sometimes even carrying a legal penalty if done to a public official.
The 'Be-be-be' Sound
If you want to sound like a native, make a 'be-be-be' sound while showing your tongue. It completes the gesture!
Not for Bosses
Even if your Lithuanian boss is friendly, never show your tongue. It's a step too far in informality.
Meaning
A childish gesture of mockery.
The 'Be-be-be' Sound
If you want to sound like a native, make a 'be-be-be' sound while showing your tongue. It completes the gesture!
Not for Bosses
Even if your Lithuanian boss is friendly, never show your tongue. It's a step too far in informality.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'rodyti' and the noun 'liežuvis'.
Vakar mano mažas brolis man ______ ______.
The past tense 'parodė' is needed for 'vakar' (yesterday), and 'liežuvį' must be in the accusative.
Which situation is appropriate for 'rodyti liežuvį'?
Kada galima rodyti liežuvį?
It is an informal, playful gesture suitable for friends, not formal situations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kodėl tu ant manęs pyksti? B: Aš nepykstu! (B ______ ______ ir nusijuokia).
Showing the tongue and laughing is a common way to show you aren't actually angry.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesVakar mano mažas brolis man ______ ______.
The past tense 'parodė' is needed for 'vakar' (yesterday), and 'liežuvį' must be in the accusative.
Kada galima rodyti liežuvį?
It is an informal, playful gesture suitable for friends, not formal situations.
A: Kodėl tu ant manęs pyksti? B: Aš nepykstu! (B ______ ______ ir nusijuokia).
Showing the tongue and laughing is a common way to show you aren't actually angry.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot always. Between friends or with children, it's usually just playful. However, with strangers or elders, it is considered rude.
Yes! You can write 'Rodau tau liežuvį 😜' to show you are teasing someone.
'Rodyti' means to show, while 'iškišti' means to stick out. In the context of this gesture, they are almost the same.
Only in very informal settings, like with close friends or when posing for a silly photo.
Related Phrases
Iškišti liežuvį
similarTo stick out the tongue.
Liežuvį laidyti
contrastTo gossip or talk too much.
Nuryti liežuvį
relatedTo be speechless (literally: to swallow the tongue).
