kisser

IPA/ˈkɪsə(r)/
KK[kˈɪsɚ]IPA/ˈkɪsər/

kisser — noun

  • kissersingular
  • kissersplural

1. A noun placed after a describing word to indicate what kind of kisser a person i

1.nounB2
Definition

A noun placed after a describing word to indicate what kind of kisser a person is — for example, you call someone a good kisser when you like kissing them, or a bad kisser when you do not.

Example

Sivan is known among her friends as an amazing kisser.

collocation: amazing kisser / terrible kisser / good kisser

Arjun told me that his first date was a terrible kisser.

Common collocations
  • good kisser
  • bad kisser
  • great kisser
  • terrible kisser
  • gentle kisser
  • amazing kisser
  • fantastic kisser
  • best kisser

Grammar Patterns

[adjective] + kisser

Usage Note

Always used with a preceding adjective (good, bad, great, terrible, gentle, etc.). The word cannot stand alone — you would not say "He is a kisser" without a describing word. Common in dating and romantic contexts.

Common Mistakes

She is a kisser.
She is a good kisser.
the word must be paired with an adjective to be meaningful.
He is a kissing expert.
He is a great kisser.
'kisser' is the natural choice in casual conversation, not a formal phrase.

2. An informal word for a person's mouth, often used in humorous, rough, or dismiss

2.nounC1
Definition

An informal word for a person's mouth, often used in humorous, rough, or dismissive contexts.

Example

The boxer's kisser was swollen and red after twelve rounds in the ring.

possessive + kisser referring to boxer's mouth

Tariro told his little brother to keep his kisser shut during the film.

collocation: keep your kisser shut

Common collocations
  • shut your kisser
  • keep your kisser shut
  • hit in the kisser
  • punch in the kisser
Synonyms
  • mouth

    neutral, standard term for the same body part

  • lips

    more specific; refers to the outer part of the mouth only

  • trap

    ruder slang, strongest dismissive tone

Grammar Patterns

possessive + kisser

on/in the kisser

Usage Note

More common in British English than American English. Can sound humorous or mildly rude depending on context. Avoid in formal writing or polite conversation.

Common Mistakes

He kissed her on the kisser.
He kissed her on the lips.
'kisser' for mouth is slang, not used for romantic descriptions.

3. A dated slang term for a person's face, now used mainly for humorous effect.

3.nounC1
Definition

A dated slang term for a person's face, now used mainly for humorous effect.

Example

Jabari's kisser was covered in mud after he fell off the trail while hiking.

informal: kisser meaning face

The baby's kisser lit up with a huge smile when she tasted the sweet pudding.

Synonyms
  • face

    neutral, standard term

  • mug

    similar informal register, more common in both British and American English

Grammar Patterns

possessive + kisser

Usage Note

Considered old-fashioned or comical. Much rarer than senses 1 and 2, and most modern speakers under 40 may not recognize it. Often appears in humorous writing or vintage dialogue rather than everyday speech.

Common Mistakes

She washed her kisser.
She washed her face.
using 'kisser' for 'face' sounds strange or comical in most modern contexts.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A "good kisser" is someone whose kissing technique is pleasant, while "romantic partner" is a much broader term for a person you are in a romantic relationship with — someone may be a wonderful romantic partner but not necessarily a good kisser. The phrase "smooth operator" is an older slang term for someone who is charming and skilled at romantic interactions, including kissing, but implies a degree of manipulation or insincerity. "Kisser" (with a modifier) is the most direct and natural way to talk about someone's kissing ability in casual conversation. For example: "I went on three dates with him. He was a great kisser, but not much of a conversationalist." versus "He was a smooth operator who knew exactly what to say and do."

good kisserromantic partnersmooth operator

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Formed by adding the suffix -er to 'kiss.' The earliest recorded use (early 20th century British slang) referred to the mouth — the body part that does the kissing. From there the meaning broadened to the face. The modern sense of 'a person who kisses' (a good kisser, a bad kisser) developed later in the 20th century as the word came to be used with descriptive adjectives.