ABSTRACT
Just over forty years ago, Andrew (1963) suggested that language arose
gradually “from an already well-developed and elaborate system of vocal
displays modulated by the lips and tongue.” (p. 94). To Andrew, the lip-
smacking and grunting of baboons were prime examples of such displays. Later,
MacNeilage appealed to lipsmacking as a possible origin of the syllabic frame,
pointing to its biomechanical action and early vegetative origin (MacNeilage,
1986, 1998). I agree with MacNeilage that lipsmacking is relevant to linguistic
evolution, so relevant that it seems strange when theorists say nothing about it.