Body Language of The Ankle Cross or Scissor Cross
Cue: The Ankle Cross or Scissor Cross
Synonym(s): Scissor Cross, Ankle-Ankle Cross, Interlocking Feet, Interlocking Legs, Ankle Lock, Foot Lock, Knotted Ankles, Ankle Cross Under Chair.
Description: While seated or standing, the ankle of one foot wraps around the ankle of the other foot.
In One Sentence: The ankle cross is a sign that one is showing restraint, discomfort or insecurity and also that one is not prepared to immediately leave.
How To Use it: Use the posture while standing to show that you are not immediate ready to vacate but rather are prepared to listen to someone else speak. This posture also shows submission which can be helpful in placating a domineering counterpart such as a boss. Finally, the posture can create a sense of security as it protects the genital area from over-exposure. Thus, in a crowded area, the ankle cross can make one feel more comfortable.
Context: a) Business, b) Social/Friendly and Dating
Verbal Translation: “I’m not totally comfortable, but I’m not going anywhere.”
Variant: The top of one foot locks around the leg of the other while seated or standing (mainly female posture). The feet might suddenly be pulled in under the chair withdrawing emotionally even further. This shows insecurity and discomfort.
Cue In Action: a) It was suggested that the company increase it’s workforce from ten to fifteen employees. Upon hearing the suggestions, Debbie from human resources wrapped her legs together at the ankles and pulled them under her chair showing passive disagreement. b) Long-time friends discussed politics while standing with their feet in a causal shoulder width stance. But when the topic switches to sports, and the discussion evolves, the feet of both parties cross. This shows that they are vested in the conversation, and aren’t thinking about escaping. c) The legs are wrapped around the legs of a chair sometimes called the Ejector Seat Posture (See Seated Readiness or The Ejector Seat Position and Feet Wrapped Around Legs Of Chair) showing anxiety, concern or discomfort.
Meaning and/or Motivation: While seated, a sudden locking of the feet indicates discomfort or insecurity. Conversely, if the feet are suddenly unlocked, the signal that the discomfort has been removed and that comfort is present.
When feet are crossed while standing, it indicates that a person is in no hurry to leave, and are that they comfortable discussing the topic.
a) While seated, it indicates that a person is holding a negative emotion, uncertainty, fear, anxiety, insecurity, reserved self-restraint, lack of confidence, or in general, uncomfortable or timid due to withholding a thought or emotion. It is a closed body posture and indicates that a person does not wish to budge and is likely holding negative attitude.
b) While standing, it is modest and formal and has no meaning at all unless the posture is adopted suddenly. When seated, the ankle cross indicates that modest comfort is present as crossed legs impede a quick escape. Other times it indicates negativity, defensiveness and insecurity especially if coupled with arm crossing or the Fig Leaf. Also shows commitment due to inability of making a quick escape, submission and sometimes vulnerability if coupled with a dipped head.
c) The person who locks their feet around the chair is bracing and locking (freezing) themselves as they have heard things they don’t want to hear, but aren’t permitted to leave.
Cue Cluster: Legs crossed at the ankles coupled with arm withdrawal, a scowling expression, and head turned away, amplifies the negative emotion communicated by the ankle cross. Couple interlocked legs, which is a freeze response meant to reduce foot movement, with pacifying behaviours such as rubbing the thighs palm down, as if to dry them, and you’ve got a cluster signaling that a secret is being covered. If the feet are pulled under the chair, the message is even more exaggerated. The feet are saying exactly what the person is thinking, that he or she is closed and withdrawn from the conversation.
Body Language Category: Disengagement, Defensive, Negative body language, Fearful body language, Discomfort, Stressful body language, Body cross.
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