Smiles are universal expressions of happiness and can convey a wide range of emotions, from genuine joy to polite politeness. While smiles may appear similar at first glance, there are actually different types of smiles that can be categorized based on their characteristics and meanings. In this article, we will explore four common types of smiles: the Duchenne smile, the social smile, the fake smile, and the smirking smile.
- Duchenne smile: The Duchenne smile is considered to be the most genuine and authentic type of smile. It is named after French physician Guillaume Duchenne, who first studied the physiological differences between genuine and fake smiles in the 19th century. The Duchenne smile involves the activation of specific muscles in the face, including the muscles around the mouth (orbicularis oris) and the muscles around the eyes (orbicularis oculi). This results in a smile that is characterized by raised cheeks, crinkled eyes, and a mouth that turns up at the corners.
The Duchenne smile is associated with genuine positive emotions, such as happiness, joy, and amusement. It is often considered to be a reflection of true happiness and is seen as an indication of a person’s genuine emotional state. The Duchenne smile is also contagious and can evoke positive emotions in others, leading to social bonding and increased likability.
- Social smile: The social smile is a type of smile that is used in social situations as a form of politeness or social convention. It is often a deliberate smile that is used to convey politeness, friendliness, or conformity, rather than a genuine emotional state. The social smile may not involve the activation of the muscles around the eyes, resulting in a smile that appears more forced and less genuine compared to the Duchenne smile.
The social smile is often used in social interactions, such as greetings, introductions, or when meeting new people. It is also commonly used in professional settings, such as in customer service, where politeness and friendliness are expected. While the social smile may not always reflect genuine emotions, it is still an important social cue that can help establish rapport and create positive interactions with others.
- Fake smile: The fake smile, also known as the “polite smile” or “Pan Am smile,” is a smile that is consciously or deliberately produced without genuine emotional engagement. It is often used in situations where a person wants to appear friendly or polite, but may not actually feel positive emotions. The fake smile may involve only the movement of the muscles around the mouth, without the activation of the muscles around the eyes, resulting in a smile that looks forced and insincere.
The fake smile is often used in social situations where a person may feel obligated to smile, such as in formal events, photos, or when interacting with acquaintances or strangers. It is also commonly used in situations where a person wants to hide negative emotions, such as frustration, annoyance, or discomfort. While the fake smile may be used as a social convention, it may not convey genuine emotions and may be perceived as insincere by others.
- Smirking smile: The smirking smile is a type of smile that is characterized by a half-smile, where only one side of the mouth turns up, while the other side remains neutral or slightly downturned. The smirking smile is often associated with a sense of amusement, confidence, or superiority. It can convey a subtle sense of humor or playfulness, and may be accompanied by a twinkle in the eye or a raised eyebrow.
The smirking smile is often used in situations where a person feels a sense of superiority, cleverness, or amusement towards a situation or another person. It may also be used as a form of teasing or sarcasm.
