What Is a Lateral Lisp?

A lateral lisp is a specific type of speech pattern where air escapes over the sides of the tongue instead of flowing straight out the center. This airflow creates a “slushy,” “wet,” or “gurgly” sound, especially when producing /s/, /z/, /sh/, or /ch/.

For example, the word “sun” may sound more like “shun” or “slun.” You might also notice a soft “spitty” sound when someone speaks. While this can happen in both children and adults, it’s important to know that lateral lisps are not developmentally typical — they don’t usually go away without targeted speech therapy.

How a Lateral Lisp Differs from Other Lisps

There are several types of lisps, but the lateral lisp stands out because of its distinct sound and tongue position. In most lisps, the tongue may move too far forward (like in a frontal lisp) or too far back (like in a palatal lisp).

With a lateral lisp, however, the sides of the tongue lower slightly, letting air escape unevenly. This side airflow is what gives the speech a “wet” quality — almost as if the person is speaking through a thin layer of water.

Unlike a frontal lisp (which can be typical in preschoolers), a lateral lisp doesn’t appear as a normal part of development at any age. It’s a learned motor pattern that usually needs gentle retraining with the help of an SLP (speech-language pathologist).

Why a Lateral Lisp Happens

A lateral lisp can develop for a few different reasons, including:

• Incorrect tongue placement habits. The tongue may naturally rest or move too far to the sides during speech.

• Lack of awareness. Many speakers don’t realize their airflow is going sideways.

• Oral structure differences. Large tonsils, a high palate, or missing teeth may subtly affect tongue movement.

• Long-term speech habits. If the pattern isn’t corrected early, it can become automatic over time.

The good news? These patterns can be unlearned through focused, evidence-based therapy.

What a Lateral Lisp Sounds Like

Parents or teachers often describe the sound as:

• “Wet” or “slushy”

• “Mushy,” as if the person is speaking around saliva

• “Muffled” on sounds like /s/ and /z/

For example, the phrase “seven silly snakes” might sound like “sheven shilly shnakes.” The air escaping from the sides of the tongue is what creates that distinct distortion.

How Speech Therapy Corrects a Lateral Lisp

The goal of therapy is to retrain the tongue and airflow for clear, central sounds. Treatment usually involves these steps:

1. Awareness and Education

The first step is helping the person notice the difference between a correct and lateralized sound. Using mirrors or visual feedback tools helps clients see what their tongue and mouth are doing.

2. Tongue Placement Training

The SLP teaches the correct tongue position — the tip just behind the top teeth, sides lifted slightly, and air flowing down the center. A helpful cue is to imagine the tongue forming a “tunnel” for the air.

3. Airflow Practice

Clients learn to direct air straight forward. Straw blowing, “snake hissing,” or using a narrow straw to feel airflow can make this more engaging for kids.

4. Sound and Word Practice

Once correct tongue and airflow control are established, the person practices single sounds (/s/, /z/), then syllables, words, phrases, and eventually conversation.

5. Carryover and Confidence

The final stage is using clear speech in daily life — during class, conversations, and reading aloud. The goal is for the new speech pattern to feel natural and automatic.

With consistent practice, many children and adults make significant progress in just a few months.

Helping at Home

Parents and caregivers can make a big difference by reinforcing therapy techniques in everyday moments. Try these gentle supports:

• Model correct speech during play and reading.

• Use fun tongue cues like “Keep the air in the middle!” or “Let’s hiss like a snake.”

• Read books or sing songs that emphasize /s/ sounds for extra practice.

• Avoid over-correcting. Instead of pointing out every error, praise effort and participation.

Encouragement keeps children motivated — confidence grows fastest in supportive environments.

When to Seek an Evaluation

If you notice a consistent “slushy” or “wet” sound on /s/, /z/, /sh/, or /ch/ — even after age 5 — it’s time for a speech-language evaluation. Early intervention helps correct patterns before they become ingrained habits.

Adults with lifelong lisps can also benefit greatly from therapy. It’s never too late to improve clarity and confidence in communication.

FAQs

Can a lateral lisp go away on its own?
No, a lateral lisp typically doesn’t resolve without therapy because the tongue and airflow habits must be retrained.

How long does it take to fix a lateral lisp?
Every case is different, but noticeable improvement often appears within a few months of consistent therapy and home practice.

Can adults correct a lateral lisp?
Yes! Adults often make excellent progress because they can consciously monitor and adjust tongue placement.