What Does Body Language of Chin Tuck Mean?
Cue: Chin Tuck
Synonym(s): N/A
Description: When the chin is pulled down toward the sternum.
In One Sentence: Tucking the chin shows that one is taken aback.
How To Use it: Use the chin tuck to show that you are not in agreement with what was said. Tucking in the chin can also signal submission especially if combined with lowering the head. When you want to raise an objection without verbally stating it, quickly tucking the chin in shows others that you have been ‘punched’ in the chin by their thoughts. Performing this gesture, therefore, may cause them to backtrack on their suggestion, or put them on their heels trying to justify what they have said. Regardless, it can make them act more conservatively.
Context: a) General b) Dating
Verbal Translation: a) “I don’t like what I just heard so I’m tucking my chin down in disdain.” b) “To appear smaller, I’m tucking my chin and lowering my eyes so you don’t hurt me.”
Variant: See Disgust Facial Expression and Contempt Facial Expression, Head Lowered in Judgement, Chin Jut and Chin Lift.
Cue In Action: a) Bill tucked his chin in as he had a look of disdain on his face. b) She pulled her chin in to appear more childlike and submissive.
Meaning and/or Motivation: Pulling the chin in spells anger and disdain or when used in courtship submission, innocent and childlike.
As the profile of the chin is reduced, it eliminates the exposure it suffers during an attack. The chin is particularly vulnerable to injury and a quick blow can send someone unconscious. Therefore, a tucked chin indicates that a person does not wish to engage in conflict. When someone wants to confront an attacker, they will perform the opposite cue by jutting the chin out as a challenge.
Cue Cluster: The chin tuck is accompanied by a sneering nose and looking downward or eyes averted, head turned away, shoulders slumped cowering. When it is used in courtship it is accompanied by a coy smile and eyes cast upward.
Body Language Category: Closed body language, Defensive, Dislike (nonverbal), Escape movements, Negative body language, Submissive body language.
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