What does toothiness mean?
Toothiness names the quality of having teeth that are conspicuous, particularly because they are large, prominent, or widely exposed. It is most often used about smiles, portraits, actors, caricatures, and designs, where visible teeth become a notable visual feature. The word can be affectionate and humorous, as in a description of a comedian's distinctive grin, but it can also be mildly critical when applied to an exaggerated or aggressive-looking smile. Toothiness is related to the adjective toothy, but whereas toothy usually characterizes a person or thing directly, toothiness refers to the quality or feature itself. The noun is normally uncountable, although related constructions such as a hint of toothiness or comic toothiness are idiomatic. It is chiefly informal or literary rather than everyday neutral vocabulary.
nounThe quality of having teeth, especially teeth that are conspicuous because they are large, prominent, or exposed.
- The quality of having teeth, especially conspicuous or prominent teeth.
"Her broad, distinctive smile is noted for its cheerful toothiness."
"The comic actor was known for his broad grin and exaggerated toothiness."
"The reviewer disliked the aggressive toothiness of the vintage advertisement."
Toothiness is normally an uncountable noun.
"The critic made frequent references to the model's prominent toothiness."
Toothiness turns a smile into a supporting character.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does toothiness come from?
Toothiness was formed in English from toothy and the productive suffix -ness, meaning “the quality or state of being.” Toothy in turn derives from tooth, whose Old English form tōþ ultimately comes from a Germanic word inherited from the same Indo-European root associated with Latin dens and English dental. Related forms include toothed and toothless, while the Latin-derived family includes dentition and dentate.
How toothiness is actually used
This is an uncommon and somewhat playful noun. It is often used when describing a smile, portrait, performance, or design whose teeth are especially noticeable, and it may carry a humorous, affectionate, or mildly critical tone.
Easily confused with toothiness
Toothiness refers to the conspicuousness of teeth, whereas truthiness refers to truthfulness or the appearance of being true.