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Why is it always "gnash one's teeth"? Is anything else ever gnashed?

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3  
I'd be curious what else you'd consider gnashing. – JeffSahol Nov 24 '11 at 3:04
Related (but not duplicate): english.stackexchange.com/questions/26439/… – Lynn Nov 24 '11 at 5:53
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More related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/10614/… (stormy petrels). The linked list contains "The only thing you can GNASH is YOUR TEETH" – ShreevatsaR Nov 24 '11 at 8:22

2 Answers

up vote 4 down vote

The word "gnash" is specifically used only in terms of the teeth.

From Dictionary.com:

verb (used with object)

  1. to grind or strike (the teeth) together, especially in rage or pain.

  2. to bite with grinding teeth.

verb (used without object)

  1. to gnash the teeth.

From my experience, I don't think this term can be utilised in any other fashion. Additionally, I have never seen it used another way. It is likely a term that evolved specifically to describe the action. It is also possibly onomatopoeia for the sound of teeth grinding together or the vocalised noise one sometimes makes while performing the action.

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OED does have an example with jagged ice floes gnashing. But even then presumably because they are like teeth. – GEdgar Nov 24 '11 at 3:18
Ah, yes, I had forgotten about the OED, thanks for the reminder. I'll check that out later. – Seiaeka Nov 24 '11 at 3:31
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In its etymology of gnash, MW notes "probably of imitative origin," so your speculation about gnash being onomatopoeic is spot on. – Gnawme Nov 24 '11 at 5:52
up vote 0 down vote

I've heard it used in relation to gearboxes in cars, for example a person not used to driving with a clutch might 'gnash the gears' while changing.

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Of course, the gears have teeth... – dmckee Nov 24 '11 at 16:38
In general, it's used where a biting or chewing motion is implied in a destructive sense. I've heard people use it when referencing gears, wood chippers, shredders, etc. – Polynomial Nov 24 '11 at 17:29

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