"sucking one's teeth"
Can anyone explain what gesture is meant by this phrase (American, poss. African-American, English) and what it connotes? Toni Morrison uses it all the time and it's driving me nuts. Example: "Frieda sucked her teeth and made a phttt sound with her lips."
I get the impression that it connotes disapproval or maybe deliberation, but I'm not sure. Is anybody familiar with this expression?
I get the impression that it connotes disapproval or maybe deliberation, but I'm not sure. Is anybody familiar with this expression?