turtle head en · VERB
Etymology
By analogy with the manner whereby a turtle's or tortoise's head gradually emerges from the shell, after having been kept inside for some time for defensive or resting purposes. When threatened (such as by contact), the head rapidly retreats into the shell, which might have further reinforced the vulgar analogy.
Meanings
- (idiomatic, intransitive, of feces, slang, vulgar) To emerge partially from the body, as a result of heightened internal pressure in the bowels.
- (euphemistic, idiomatic, intransitive, of a person, slang, vulgar) To struggle to keep an imminent bowel movement wholly inside oneself.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| turtle headed | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| turtle headed | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| turtle heading | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| turtle heads | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| turtle-head | alternative | lexicographic |