We describe a relatively common yet poorly documented condition of the anterior dorsal tongue characterized by one or more moderately painful, transient, red to yellow papules. This study surveyed a number of people on their experiences with these lesions. Although some of the respondants had not had lesions of this sort, most were at least aware of their occurrence in other persons. A summary of respondents' experiences including symptoms and demographics is included. We suggest the term "transient lingual papillitis" to describe this process.