Smile

A smile is a facial expression usually formed by turning up the corners of the mouth, often with involvement of the eyes.

A smile is a facial expression usually formed by turning up the corners of the mouth, often with involvement of the eyes. In humans, it commonly expresses happiness, amusement, affection, approval, or friendliness, though it can also signal embarrassment, irony, contempt, or anxiety depending on context and culture.

Definition

A smile is an expression in which the corners of the mouth turn upward, sometimes with visible teeth and brightening around the eyes. Dictionaries and reference works describe it as a sign of happiness, amusement, pleasure, approval, or friendliness.

Physiology

The expression is usually produced by contraction of the facial muscles around the mouth, and in a sincere joyful smile the muscles around the eyes may also contract. This eye-involving form is commonly called a Duchenne smile.

Meaning and use

Smiling is generally associated with positive social signalling, but it is not fixed to one emotion. Research and reference sources note that it can also communicate irony, derision, embarrassment, anxiety, or other context-dependent meanings.

Cultural variation

Cross-cultural studies show that smiling functions as communication in many societies, but the interpretation and social use of smiles differ. Some cultures use smiles in situations such as confusion, awkwardness, or politeness rather than only happiness.