2006-12-05 11:10:18 · 9 answers · asked by DIANE K 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Most probably he has a bad breath, or he doesn't want to show his ugly teeth or lips, or tongue. I know there are also tribes whose custom is to cover their mouth when speaking because it is considered impolite to show your teeth to others, because it is like a wild animal such as tigers, lions or dogs, snarling and showing their teeth at their enemies or victims.
Or others who have gold teeth perhaps did not want to show their teeth because they are afraid to be considered showing off and being proud of his riches.
On the other hand I know some people who has a lot of gold teeth, like to show off their teeth to show how rich they are.
Here is a real story, A rich lady was trying to get the attention of a fruit vendor beside the road, who was busy serving other customers. She was very impatient for the wait, so she suddenly extend both her hands showing her gold jewellery on every finger and gold bangles on each wrist, and said: How much is the price of all these fruits if I buy them all?
The fruit vendor replied by opening his mouth widely showing all his gold teeth and replied, "Even if you can pay the price, I won't sell all these fruits to you, because I have to serve all my customers equally, and those who comes first must get my first attention regardless of the fact that he is rich or poor!"
2006-12-05 11:49:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many possibilities to this type of body language. Some people are insecure about their teeth and smile and others may worry about bad breathe. But a common reason that someone may cover their mouth when they speak or before they answer a question is because they are lying to you. Just hope it is the garlic.
2006-12-05 20:33:38 · answer #2 · answered by Peace 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well it depends on the context. It's hard to tell without more information.
One time I when I was a student, I took a group of visiting Chinese students to lunch. We were talking and one of them asked me a question just as I was putting some food into my mouth.
I wanted to answer the question, but I was afraid that if I spoke with food in my mouth, the food might come flying out!
I covered my mouth with my hand and said "excuse me" so I could finish chewing.
Then I noticed afterwards that all of the Chinese students started to cover their mouths with their hands when they would speak.
I guess they saw me do it and thought it was an American custom to cover your mouth when you speak at the table.
2006-12-05 19:26:13 · answer #3 · answered by xymeline 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It might depend on when they're doing it.
If they do it when you're speaking, it probably means that they think you should stop talking about whatever it is that you're talking about.
If they do it when they're speaking, there are a few things it could mean. It could mean that they have food in their mouth, and don't want you to see it. It could also mean that they want to say something for you to hear, but don't want anyone else to hear, or be able to read their lips.
2006-12-05 19:18:43 · answer #4 · answered by abfabmom1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people just have a habit of doing it, often it can be because they are conscientious about their teeth.
2006-12-05 19:13:14 · answer #5 · answered by Belie 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
they are lying, or are a very poor ventriloquist.
2006-12-05 19:12:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
shut up
2006-12-05 19:12:58 · answer #7 · answered by papabear098 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
they're lying.
2006-12-05 19:30:27 · answer #8 · answered by Debi 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
meth mouth
2006-12-05 19:12:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋