sleep dirt

[alternemo]

what's the official name for the gunk that collects in your eyes after sleeping? "eye boogers" just doesn't seem like the sort of thing i'd find in the OED.

[Quizmonster]

There doesn't appear to be a technical/medical name for it. In polite circles, it is usually just called 'sleep', as in: "You've still got some sleep in your eye." Others use 'gunge', 'gunk', 'crust' or whatever.

[woofgang]

honestly don't you guys know ANYTHING obviously its the sleep dust thrown there by the Sandman!!

[MrsCheeks]

Snap Woolfgang, I was thinking just that same thing rofl.

[Philtaz]

In our house it's called dreaming dust.

[thewillow]

Yep. Sleep.

[Quizmonster]

As a matter of interest, Alternemo - since you mentioned what the OED might have to say - here's what it does say re the appropriate definition of 'sleep' as I suggested above...(quote): "specifically, the solid substance found in the corners of the eyes after sleep". So, the scholars at the OED don't seem to be aware of a technical name for it either! If they call it 'sleep', I'm happy to go with that.

[rekstout]

We call it "fairy poo" or "angel poo"

[IndieSinger]

Thanks rekstout. I'm going to look forward to waking up tomorrow morning and thinking, "Brilliant, a fairy shat in my eyes again."

[coggles]

We use the term 'sleepy dust' for the children. My husband calls his 'eye cheese' which makes me feel sick!

[Quizmonster]

Come on folks...just call it 'sleep', eh? Otherwise, I'm going to have to stop coming back here. (I dread to think where Coggles' husband got the 'cheese' idea. Don't ask him, ma'am!)

[Dylan]

IndieSinger, you had me laughing for five minutes.