Body Language Of The Uneven Smile Or Lopsided Smile
Cue: Uneven Smile
Synonym(s): Apologetic Smile, Lopsided Smile.
Description: An uneven smile is on where the left and right side of the mouth do not match. One side of the face is pulled up and is smiling and the other side is not or may be downturned or frowning.
In One Sentence: The uneven smile indicates the presence of conflicting emotions.
How To Use it: Use the uneven smile when you want to show others that you can’t fully commit to contentment. You might flash the uneven smile when you acknowledge the smile of another person, but don’t particularly feel happy yourself. Also, when joking around or being sarcastic, the uneven smile can be used to show other people that you are not to be taken seriously.
Context: General.
Verbal Translation: “Wish I hadn’t made that mistake”, “That seems odd”, “I’m pulling your leg, see how I did that!” “I’ve got myself in a twist.” “On one side, “yes” and on the other “better not.”
Variant: See Smiling, Fear Smile, Friendly Smile, Frown (the) or Downturned Smile, Honest Smile or Duchenne Smile, Jaw Drop Smile, Nervous Smile, Polite Smile (the), Uneven Smile Or Lopsided Smile, Upper Lip Smile, Artificial Smile or Fake Smile, Nervous Smile, Honest Smile or Duchenne Smile, Contempt Facial Expression.
Cue In Action: When Bob took Bill’s stapler from his desk he made a lopsided smile in Brenda’s direction – they both knew that Bob was going to lose it on her if it was missing.
Meaning and/or Motivation: The uneven smile depicts a frame of mind in which opposite emotions are present such as uncertainty, tongue-in-cheek humour and sarcasm. The uneven smile is coupled with cheeky humour amongst friends and also during sarcasm.
Cue Cluster: A lopsided smile can appear in unison with upturned palms and shoulder shrugs.
Body Language Category: Leaked or involuntary body language, Microgestures.
Resources:
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