A smile is a facial expression formed by flexing the muscles near both ends of the mouth and by flexing muscles throughout the mouth. Some smiles include contraction of the muscles at the corner of the eyes (see 'Duchenne Smiling' below). Among humans, it is an expression denoting pleasure, sociability, happiness, or amusement, but can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety, in which case it is known as a grimace. Smiling is something that is understood by everyone despite culture, race, or religion; it is internationally known. Cross-cultural studies have shown that smiling is a means of communication throughout the world. But there are large differences between different cultures. A smile can also be spontaneous or artificial.
Read more about Smile: Historical Background, Development in Infants, Social Behavior, Cultural Differences, Dimples, Real Smiles Vs. Fake Smiles, Gallery
Famous quotes containing the word smile:
“There’s a smile on my face for the whole human race.”
—Alan Jay Lerner (1918–1986)
“... perhaps there exists only one intelligence from which the world sublets, one intelligence toward which each person, from the depths of his individual body, directs his gaze, as in the theater where, though each has a seat, however, there is only one stage.... But if it we all shared the same intelligence, [Bergotte] would, upon hearing me express [my ideas], remember them, love them, smile at them....”
—Marcel Proust (1871–1922)
“We are put there beside the three thieves
for the lowest of us all
deserve to smile in eternity
like a watermelon.”
—Anne Sexton (1928–1974)