- lip
- O.E. lippa, from P.Gmc. *lepjon (cf. O.Fris. lippa, M.Du. lippe, Ger. Lefze, Swed. läpp, Dan. læbe), from PIE *leb- (cf. L. labium). Transferred sense of "edge or margin of a cup, etc." is from 1590s. Slang sense "saucy talk" is from 1821, probably from move the lip (1570s) "utter even the slightest word (against someone)." To bite (one's) lip "show vexation" is from early 14c. Stiff upper lip as a sign of courage is from 1833. Lip-reading is first attested 1874; lipstick is from 1880; lip gloss from 1939.