lisp

Lisping is a speech disorder characterized by the imperfect pronunciation of sibilant sounds, such as 's' and 'z,' often replacing them with 'th' sounds. It falls under the category of articulatory disorders.12

Lisping can manifest in various ways, including protruding the tongue between the teeth, making slurping noises, or producing sounds from the back of the throat. Causes can range from dental issues and imitation to slight hearing loss or psychological factors like affectation or infantile mannerisms. Unlike some other childhood speech impediments, lisping may persist into adulthood if not addressed.2