What is the origin of the phrase swallowing your tongue? ?

Question

everyone knows it is virtually impossible to swallow your tongue due to the frenelum keeping it in place, but where did the origin or rumor begin that one could swallow their tongue. Did it come because the tongue can relax and block the airway? Just curious.

Answer 1

You have been misled about the frenulum being the only structure holding the tongue in place. In actuality, it only ties the area behind tip to the floor of the mouth.

The "swallow your tongue" refers to the posterior portion and base of the tongue relaxing and blocking the airway. It can't actually be "swallowed", and VERY rarely blocks the trachea.