Gleeking—The Odd And Unexpected Talent You Didn't Know You Had

Most people have likely experienced gleeking without knowing it.

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• July 23, 2024

Gleeking is a strange and slightly gross human ability that many people don’t even realize they can perform. Joshua Nair, a self-proclaimed expert in this peculiar skill, believes that anyone can learn to gleek with some practice and dedication.

Most people have likely experienced gleeking without knowing it. Social media, especially TikTok, has brought this bizarre action to the forefront, making it a viral sensation. One TikTok creator demonstrated the ease of gleeking in a viral clip, showing off her impressive skills and grossing out viewers in the process.

The trend revolves around the act of shooting saliva from under your tongue, often occurring accidentally when you yawn or stretch. If you find yourself wondering if you’re a ‘gleeker,’ the answer is probably yes. But can you do it on demand? According to the clip, only one percent of the population can gleek at will, but a medical professional believes that everyone can master this skill with practice.

The Science Behind Gleeking

To understand gleeking, you need to know a bit about the salivary glands in your mouth. There are three pairs of major salivary glands: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, along with thousands of smaller glands. The submandibular and sublingual glands, located at the bottom of your mouth, are the main players in gleeking.

When you eat, these glands produce saliva, which usually drains away through ducts under your tongue. Sometimes, however, saliva builds up, and pressure from your tongue causes it to squirt out unexpectedly. This is gleeking.

How to Gleek on Demand

If you’re curious about trying to gleek on command, there are a few techniques you can try. Dr. Mark S. Wolff, dean of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, suggests that eating something sour can stimulate your salivary glands, increasing the chances of gleeking.

To practice gleeking, follow these steps:

• Eat something sour to stimulate saliva production.
• Stick your tongue out, lift it, and curl the tip back so it’s behind your top teeth.
• Tense the muscles in your tongue, squeezing the duct and causing saliva to squirt out.

Dr. Wolff explains that with enough practice, anyone can learn to gleek on command. It might take some hours of practice, but eventually, you’ll be able to perform this odd trick at will.

Gleeking in Pop Culture

The phenomenon of gleeking has not only taken over social media but also sparked curiosity and amusement in popular culture. It’s become a weird party trick, a challenge among friends, and even a topic of light-hearted debate. While some find it gross, others are fascinated by the ability to control such a unique bodily function.

The History and Evolution of Gleeking

Gleeking isn’t a new phenomenon; it’s been around for as long as humans have had salivary glands. However, it’s only recently that it’s gained such widespread attention, thanks to the power of social media. Before TikTok and Instagram, gleeking was a little-known quirk, often discovered accidentally and rarely talked about. Now, it’s a trending topic, with people all over the world trying to master the skill.

The Fun and Frustration of Learning to Gleek

Like any skill, learning to gleek can be both fun and frustrating. Some people pick it up quickly, while others may struggle to produce even a single spurt of saliva. But the challenge is part of the appeal. As you practice and improve, the satisfaction of finally being able to gleek on demand makes the effort worthwhile.

Gleeking Etiquette

While gleeking can be a fun and quirky skill, it’s important to remember etiquette. Not everyone appreciates being sprayed with saliva, so it’s best to practice and show off your gleeking abilities in appropriate settings. Friends and family who are in on the joke might enjoy a demonstration, but it’s wise to avoid gleeking in public or formal situations.

Gleeking is a fascinating and strange human ability that has captured the attention of social media users worldwide. With some practice and the right techniques, anyone can learn to gleek on command.

Whether you find it gross or amusing, there’s no denying that gleeking is a unique skill that adds a bit of fun and curiosity to the oddities of human biology. So, if you’re up for the challenge, grab a sour candy, start practicing, and join the ranks of gleekers everywhere.

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Sophia