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:
“To win hearts, smile kindly on people’s weaknesses.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“For slowly even her sense of him
And love itself were growing dim.
He no more drew the smile he sought.
The story is she died of thought.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
“Life stood on the top stair a moment
Waved her last gray slander down the stair,
I will not forget her absent eyes
Her other smile like one rose
Falling, falling everywhere....”
—Allen Tate (1899–1979)