Tappen

Jul. 9th, 2010 05:01 pm
[identity profile] sakai-yukari.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] 1word1day
Tappen [tæp-pən]
noun

Definition:
A plug of indigestible materials that forms in a bear's anus during hibernation.

Etymology:
From the Swedish/Norwegian, tapp-en, 'the plug'.

Usage:
That cork is stuck in that wine bottle tighter than a tappen in a bear's behind.

Notes/Additional Info:
And now it's possible that you all hate me for that mental image. You are welcome. There are many theories as to why a tappen forms, including that it prevents insects from entering the bear's digestive tract or prevents the bear from defecating and attracting scavengers or predators. Apparently passing the tappen post-hibernation is quite painful, although I am unsure as to how we know this. Most useless word ever, woo hoo!
This account has disabled anonymous posting.
If you don't have an account you can create one now.
HTML doesn't work in the subject.
More info about formatting
Page generated Jun. 14th, 2025 11:30 pm
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios