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The debate over the global consistency of facial expressions has been ongoing since the time of Darwin. While some expressions seem to be universally understood, others, reflecting more subtle emotions, can easily be misunderstood across different cultures. Below, I’ll explore the expressive language of our faces, one of the most communicative parts of our bodies.
10. Bewilderment
A look of bewilderment is often characterized by a wrinkled nose and furrowed brow, sometimes with one eyebrow raised higher than the other. The lips are generally pressed together, but the most prominent feature of bewilderment is usually around the eyes and nose.
The origins of the confused expression can be traced back to our closest living relatives, chimpanzees. Confusion symbolizes a lack of comprehension, and the facial expression emerges as we increase our efforts to understand something. When a young chimpanzee encounters new sensations for the first time, it often displays a look of surprise or confusion, very similar to the human expression. Both species share a fundamental desire to comprehend the world around us, though on different levels.
As we are baffled by novel ideas, experiences, sights, and challenges, our faces reveal the same sense of wonder that our ancestors and modern-day great ape relatives experience.
9. Embarrassment
A look of embarrassment is universally recognizable. It typically involves a downward gaze with a sorrowful or concerned expression. The head is often bowed, and the mouth is either neutral or turned down in a frown. When distilled, embarrassment closely ties to feelings of submission. In primates, when the dominant individual forces the other into submission, the defeated individual often keeps their eyes lowered to signal defeat and bring the conflict to an end.
In our intricate societies, defeat can take on personal or competitive forms. It might refer to the shame that follows losing a game, not fulfilling personal expectations, or failing to meet the standards set by others. These broad experiences manifest in countless ways, but they all circle back to the fundamental emotion of shame that evolved from acknowledging loss.
8. Astonishment
A look of astonishment is easily recognizable by its wide-open eyes and gaping mouth. The emotion of surprise or shock closely resembles fear. The surprised face is one of the most primal expressions we make. Most of the time, we don’t consciously form the expression; it is an immediate reaction to something. All primates, along with many other animals, widen their eyes in fear or when startled.
More generally speaking, when something unforeseen occurs, our eyes widen and our pupils dilate to take in more of our surroundings and react more swiftly.
7. Intense Focus
A concentrated facial expression can differ depending on the context. When a person is concentrating on a task, their gaze will be directed at it. However, if the focus is on a thought or idea, they might look upward or glance to the side. There is usually less blinking in this state.
Interestingly, when someone is focused on completing a task, whether mental or physical, their tongue may move or twist from side to side. Most people are unaware they’re doing this. This is referred to as “motor disinhibition,” where the brain dedicates more energy to the task at hand, leaving less energy for controlling other body parts. This effect isn’t just limited to the tongue—some people also blink less for the same reason.
6. Fatigue
A clear sign of exhaustion is when a person’s eyelids droop halfway open. Eyebrows often rise as an unconscious effort to stay awake. Fatigue arises from prolonged exertion without enough rest. In primates, particularly the more intelligent great apes, signs of tiredness are similarly visible. When preparing for or involved in a confrontation, apes assess one another by observing their demeanor and energy levels. A fatigued expression can be advantageous to the other party as it makes the individual seem less threatening. Humans too communicate their level of energy through facial expressions, giving others a sense of their remaining capabilities.
5. Allure
Seduction involves enticing someone to engage in a specific behavior, often of a sexual nature. A seductive facial expression varies, yet certain features remain consistent: eyes locked with an intense gaze, occasionally narrowed as though focusing on a specific object. The lips are either pressed together or slightly parted, and the head is often tilted slightly to one side, exposing the neck.
This expression is perhaps the clearest in its origin: Eyes naturally draw attention in any situation. Adding an intense gaze is often considered attractive to others. Highlighting the lips and neck draws attention to areas that are generally seen as sensual and alluring. When paired with increased blinking and the occasional subtle smile, the result is a seductive look and presence.
4. Rage
Rage, more than most other emotions, is believed to be universal across cultures. The expression and body language are unmistakable: The eyebrows are drawn tightly together, creating deep furrows, and the eyelids are firm and straight. The head is often slightly bowed, with the eyes peering through the lowered brow.
Rage is often triggered by unpleasant, annoying, or frustrating situations. It is a deeply ingrained emotion shared across many species. Our facial expression of anger mirrors that of other primates, with strained, tightened features. This tension on the face typically matches similar body language, sending a clear signal of the emotion to those nearby. As social creatures, we even have the power to influence the moods of others. When an angry person enters a room, the tension is palpable, and everyone can sense the strain. The expression itself, tense and rigid, mirrors the internal struggle the person is experiencing.
3. Joy
Happiness is often regarded as the most universally understood facial expression, conveying almost the same meaning across all cultures. It’s marked by a smile and crescent-shaped eyes, an expression that even infants exhibit. Researchers and evolution specialists have suggested multiple origins for the happiness expression, particularly focusing on the smile. Unlike other expressions, the smile we show doesn’t carry the same meaning as the “mouth smile” seen in other great apes, which is typically used for intimidation.
Some theories propose that our smile evolved from this behavior, signaling good health when we expose our teeth. While it may not intimidate, it still communicates to others that we are in good condition. In more complex social scenarios, a smile is generally seen as welcoming, perhaps because it signifies strength or emotional independence, whether physically or mentally. People who smile genuinely tend to be more socially accepted.
2. Sorrow
Sad expressions typically involve eyebrows that slope upwards and a downturned mouth. This emotion is often linked to feelings of loss and helplessness. People displaying sadness usually seem withdrawn. The origins of this expression are quite straightforward: the facial features representing sadness are simply a more subdued version of one’s normal expression. Everything droops, with no particular area being emphasized, signaling defeat, resignation, or a lack of effort to engage with others.
1. Anxiety
Fear is displayed through wide eyes and eyebrows raised in surprise. The mouth is often open as well. Like surprise, fear is deeply rooted in instinct and signals the need to flee or avoid a threat.
In a 2008 scientific study, researchers set out to examine the fearful expression. The findings revealed that individuals displaying fear took in more air and were able to track moving objects faster due to their wide-open eyes. In essence, the facial expression enhanced sensory perception, making it a practical response that boosts the individual's ability to avoid danger by sharpening their senses.
