Reader's question: What's going on here? Church calls it compensation, but you and I might know it as the lip-licking anticipation of perfectly salted, golden-brown French fries after a hard trip to the gym. Could you explain “lip-licking anticipation”?

My comments: Usually when we are hungry or thirsty, and the idea of food or something tasty comes into our mind, we often lick our lips.

It’s as if we are expecting or just imagining the joyful sensation and pleasure of what it would be like to eat that chocolate cake ‘mmm’ or drink that cool lemon tea on a hot summer’s day ‘ahh’.

Think of the famous scientist Pavlov and his dog. When the bell rang and the dog was ready for supper the lip licking anticipation began and he started to drool.

So regarding the phrase ‘lip-licking anticipation’ quite simply that is the image we should be thinking of – something really tasty or delicious that is about to be experienced.

Another phrase similar in meaning is “lip-smacking’ which is when you suck your lips together and make a sound, similarly used for expressing something that is delicious or pleasant.

Now both these phrases can also be used in a more suggestive situation to include not just food but also our taste for people or love e.g. The lip-licking anticipation of Angelina walking into the room saw Brad squeal in delight.

I’ll let you work out the rest from here…

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