What does lapper mean?
A lapper is someone or something that takes liquid into the mouth with the tongue. The word is most naturally used for an animal, especially a cat, that laps milk or water, although it can also describe a person who drinks eagerly. In figurative use, a lapper may be someone who consumes praise, flattery, or opportunities with indiscriminate enthusiasm. The expression often carries a mildly humorous or gently disparaging tone, depending on context. Although “lap” is now the much more familiar word, “lapper” remains useful when the focus is on the animal or person performing the repeated action of lapping rather than on the act itself. It appears in both British and American English but is not common in everyday modern usage.
An animal, especially a cat or dog, that takes liquid into its mouth with its tongue.
"The cat was a noisy lapper and could be heard from the next room."
Especially associated with cats; the term is relatively uncommon and often affectionate or humorous.
A person who drinks liquid eagerly or repeatedly.
"By noon, the young lapper had emptied two glasses of lemonade."
Less common figurative sense, sometimes suggesting greed or enthusiasm.
The plural is lappers, though the word itself is uncommon in contemporary use.
"The hungry lappers gathered around the bowl."
A cat may be called a lapper, but a dog rarely accepts the description without taking it personally.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lapper come from?
The word was formed within English by adding the agent suffix -er to lap, the verb for taking liquid into the mouth with the tongue. Its development followed the older English verb lap, which referred to an animal drinking by means of the tongue. The noun consequently came to denote a creature or person accustomed to lapping.
How lapper is actually used
Relatively uncommon and literary in style. It is sometimes used humorously for a person who drinks enthusiastically or accepts praise too readily.
Easily confused with lapper
A lap is the act of taking liquid into the mouth with the tongue or the part of the body between the arms and the torso; a lapper is the person or animal doing the lapping.