What is a glib?

Posted by Smokey Stover on June 23, 2004

In Reply to: Sticky beak, toffee nosed posted by Bruce Kahl on June 23, 2004

: : : A toffee nose,sticky beak and what is a 'glib'
: : : thank you to answers on 'gab' and gezuntite
: : : very much appreciated. I'm researching phrases which refer to the face.

: : From Merriam-Webster online:
: : toffee-nosed -- Function: adjective
: : chiefly British : STUCK-UP

: From the link provided below:
: "Sticky Beak meaning someone unduly curious about other people's affairs, ie "nosey parker".

: Sticky beak is used in both New Zealand and Australia with the same meaning but slightly different emphasis.

: In Australia "sticky beak" is quite pejorative, to be called sticky beak is definitely a criticism whereas in New Zealand it is used with more affection, it is often used as a tease."

In a previous response I provided a definition of glib as it is usually used, that is, as an adjective. Had you mentioned the facial association I would have told you that glib can mean, as the OED says, "A thick mass of matted hair on the forehead and over the eyes, formerly worn by the Irish." There are other meanings of glib, the noun, but this seems to be the facial one. SS

• Would the irish glib be conected to 'glib tongue' cazee carew 25/June/04