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400+ Ways to Exploit Facial Expressions in Writing
(Discover even more words in The Writer’s Body Lexicon .)
Effective Writing Agrees With Itself
In real life, scowls, smiles , and curled lips reflect underlying emotions. They should do the same in fiction or creative nonfiction.
- A protagonist in pain is unlikely to smile.
- A deceitful character probably won’t maintain eye contact with others.
This post will help you choose emotion beats that harmonize with context. In addition to facial expressions, the following list includes body language involving the face, head, and neck.
100+ Ways to Say Blush 100+ Ways to Say Cried 200+ Ways to Say Embarrassed 500+ Ways to Describe Faces 200+ Ways to Say Frown or Scowl 300+ Ways to Say Happy 99 Ways to Say Laughed or Smiled 125 Ways to Say Look or See 600+ Ways to Describe Necks Other Ways to Say Nodded 120 Ways to Say Pout 200 Ways to Say Shake the Head 300+ Ways to Say Sigh Too Many Sighs of Relief in Your Writing? 75 Alternatives
Emotion Beats and Physical Manifestations Cheat Sheet
Each category heading is followed by several ways a character could show the mentioned emotion(s).
Agony, pain, suffering – prominent lines between the eyebrows – gaze directed downward – raised lips – raised cheeks – eyes squeezed shut – wrinkled nose – bared teeth – clenched jaw – grimacing – wincing – gritting teeth – massaging between one’s eyebrows – inside corners of eyebrows slanting upward
Anger, hostility – bulging eyes – dilated nostrils – clenched jaw – red face – icy stare – curled lip – rigid cords in neck – glaring – frowning or scowling – baring one’s teeth – grinding teeth – staring somebody down – pressing one’s lips firmly together – vein(s) pulsing in neck or temple
Anguish – skin bunching around the eyes – clenched jaw – pinched lips – sallow features – facial tics – visible cord(s) in neck – tensing one’s facial muscles – wincing – grinding teeth – hyperventilating and then blowing into a paper bag
Apathy, boredom, disinterest, indifference – blank stare – glazed eyes – minimal eye contact – yawning – closing or half-closing one’s eyes – propping one’s head in hands – picking one’s nose – focusing on anything or anyone except where attention should be focused (e.g., fingernails, watch, clothing, etc.)
Cautiousness, wariness – cocked head – narrowed eyes – pursed lips – lowered eyebrows – lifting one’s chin – jutting one’s jaw – chewing on one’s lip – pressing one’s lips together – frowning – gritting one’s teeth – gazing in direction of perceived hazard – glances darting about rather than focusing on anything in particular
Compassion, sympathy – sad smile – direct eye contact – wide eyes – brows pulled together – moist eyes – tears – wiping one’s nose with a tissue – nodding while listening, one’s mouth half-open – monitoring the face of the object of sympathy
Conceit, egotism, narcissism, vanity – pronounced lip-pursing – thrust-out chin – nose in the air – flawless makeup – one raised eyebrow – tweezed eyebrows – signs of plastic surgery – downturned corners of the mouth – supercilious gaze through half-lidded eyes – immaculately trimmed beard and mustache
Concentration – wide eyes – dilated pupils – slight frown – staring with half-lidded eyes – nodding – pursing one’s lips – making eye contact when listening or conversing – pressing index finger to one’s cheek and propping chin on rest of clenched fingers
Confusion – wrinkled nose – cocked head – unfocused gaze – grimacing – excessive swallowing – scratching one’s face – rubbing one’s chin – touching the base of one’s neck – pursing one’s lips – cocking one’s head – narrowing one’s eyes – tugging on an earlobe – chewing on one’s lip – rapid blinking – squinting – pulling one’s brows together in a frown or scowl
Contempt, disgust – nose in the air – wrinkled nose – downturned lips – pinched mouth – mocking smile – flushing – sneering or snarling – curling one’s upper lip – squinting – frowning – rolling one’s eyes – arching one eyebrow – sticking out one’s tongue – vein(s) pulsing in neck or temple
Curiosity – cocked head – raised eyebrows – quizzical smile – focused gaze – wrinkled nose – blinking – pushing up one’s glasses – partially opening one’s lips
Deceit, deception, dishonesty – shifty eyes – avoidance of eye contact – misleading attempt to maintain eye contact – sweating – excessive blinking – reddening of the ears – biting one’s fingernails – chewing the inside of one’s mouth – rubbing one’s nose – making inappropriate facial expressions for the circumstances
Depression – tears – inappropriate laughter – lack of eye contact – infrequent blinking – red or moist eyes – vacant stare – downturned lips – slack expression – dark circles under the eyes – head tilted downward
Disappointment, frustration – crinkled eyes – lowered head – half-hearted smile – lips pressed together – pronounced sigh – lack of eye contact – moist eyes – rigid expression – shaking one’s head – grinding one’s teeth – biting one’s nails – swallowing hard – gaping – frowning or scowling – wincing – chewing on one’s lip – pressing one’s lips together – exhaling noisily through pursed lips
Distraction, preoccupation – audible exhalations – facial tics – darting glances – pale face – forced laughter – lips pressed together – grinding one’s teeth – sighing – glancing askance (sideways) – chewing on one’s lips, nails, or a personal object
Embarrassment, shame – downturned head – downward gaze – red ears – chin held close to body – minimal eye contact – tense muscles around closed mouth – blushing or flushing – trembling chin – frowning – fluttering eyes – biting one’s lip – glancing away – sweating – grimacing – coughing – wincing – gritting one’s teeth – swallowing hard – hiding one’s eyes or face behind hands, hair, hat, etc.
Envy, jealousy – downturned mouth – jutting chin – bared teeth – flared nostrils – pouting – squinting – frequent swallowing – chewing on one’s bottom lip – flushing – glowering – pressing one’s lips together in firm line – gritting teeth – sneering – scrutinizing object of envy or jealousy
Excitement – flashing eyes – dilated pupils – broad grin – dimpled smile – trembling chin – laughing – frequent blinking – flushing – giggling – initiating and maintaining eye contact
Exhaustion, fatigue – dark circles under the eyes – red eyes – inability to keep one’s eyes open – pronounced lines in face – wan face – yawning – slapping one’s cheeks in an effort to stay awake – closing one’s eyes while standing, and almost falling over
Fear – brows raised and pulled together – eyes frozen open – pale, trembling features – facial tics – lack of eye contact – darting glances – beads of sweat on face – bulging eyes – moist eyes – shaky smile – open mouth – raised brows – rictus grin (involuntary fake smile) – rapid blinking – squinting – licking one’s lips – vein(s) pulsing in neck or temple – chewing on one’s hair, a pen, or another personal object
Flirtatiousness, seductiveness – fluttering eyelashes – coy smile – lopsided grin – slightly narrowed eyes – open mouth with tip of tongue showing – moistening one’s lips with tongue – head turned away or slightly downturned while one maintains eye contact
Happiness, enthusiasm – laughter – dimpled smile – broad smile – sparkling eyes – winking – humming or singing – whistling – a smile that reaches the eyes – relaxed brow free of frown lines – crow’s feet around outer corners of eyes
Hatred, hostility – sideways glances – tight-lipped smiles – flared nostrils – clenched jaw – bared teeth – tears – beads of sweat on face – flushing – grinding teeth – vein(s) pulsing in neck or temple – rigid cord(s) in neck – snarling – sneering – spitting – glowering at object of one’s hostility
Hesitation, indecision, uncertainty – lips turned down – lopsided grimace – wrinkled brow – shaky smile – repeated swallowing – chewing one’s lip – biting the inside of one’s cheek – squinting – frowning or scowling – tugging on one’s bottom lip – rubbing or stroking one’s jaw – shaking one’s head slightly – tugging at one’s earlobes or hair – scrutinizing others to determine their opinion
Insecurity – excessive makeup – tight-lipped smile – lowered eyebrows – puckered forehead – minimal eye contact – biting one’s nails – chewing on one’s lips – frowning or scowling
Insolence, rudeness, disrespect – thumbing one’s nose at someone – sticking out one’s tongue – snorting – curling one’s lip – rolling one’s eyes – openly picking one’s nose – laughing at someone – yawning while someone is talking – refusing to face the person who is speaking
Irritability, petulance, sulkiness – lips pressed together – pursed lips – fake smile – forced laughter – narrowed eyes – small flushed circles on cheeks – gritting one’s teeth – squinting – frowning or scowling – glaring at the object of irritation – biting the inside of one’s cheek
Nostalgia – unfocused gaze – touch of a smile – moist eyes – tears – cocked head – sparkling eyes – closed eyes
Pessimism – wrinkled nose – knitted brows – pursed lips – curled lip – staring – squinting – grinding one’s teeth – frowning or scowling – tilting one’s head and looking askance (sideways)
Pride [in oneself] – dimpled grin – face-wide smile – Cheshire cat grin [cliché] – gleaming eyes – half-lidded eyes – elevated chin – maintaining eye contact – thrusting one’s jaw forward – holding one’s head high or tilting it back
Pride [in someone else] – moist eyes – tilted head – dimpled grin – adoring gaze – glowing cheeks – broad smile – nods of encouragement – tears trickling down face
Relaxation – gentle smile – smooth forehead – creases beside the eyes – a smile that reaches the eyes – direct eye contact without staring but with minimal blinking
Remorse, regret – head down while one is talking – moist eyes – pale face – hollowed cheeks – runny nose – trembling chin – dark circles under the eyes – sobbing or crying – staring at one’s toes – holding one’s head in one’s hands
Resentfulness – pinched lips – narrowed eyes – lack of eye contact – twisted mouth – curled lip – bared teeth – frowning or scowling – pouting – shaking one’s head – orange-peel consistency appearing on skin of tightened chin
Sadism – curled lip – evil grin – clenched jaw – bared teeth – twisted scowl – horizontal wrinkles between eyebrows – lips stretched so tightly over teeth that they seem to disappear
Sadness, unhappiness – downturned head – red eyes – moist eyes – puffy face – runny makeup – splotchy complexion – trembling chin – empty stare – drawn-down corners of the mouth – pouting – squinting – rubbing one’s eyes – staring at floor – crying – wiping one’s nose with a tissue – wincing – covering one’s face with the hands – holding one’s head in one’s hands – staring at toes or floor
Secrecy, stealthiness – sly smile – faraway look – winking – biting one’s lip – avoiding eye contact – forcing one’s lips closed into a firm line
Shyness – minimal eye contact – closed mouth – biting one’s lip – glancing away – lowering one’s head – looking down – biting one’s nails – blushing – covering one’s mouth with a hand – playing with one’s hair or mustache
Surprise – raised and curved brows – wrinkles across the forehead – gaping jaw – wide eyes with the whites showing – blinking
Worry – tight-lipped smile – knitted brows – puckered forehead – moist eyes – minimal eye contact – dark circles under the eyes – biting one’s nails – chewing on one’s lip – rubbing an eyebrow – kneading one’s face – blinking
If you need additional beats, consult a body language dictionary . (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Avoid Boilerplate Beats
Whenever possible, create original phrases rather than rely on generic beats. For example, a slight smile could be referred to as an almost smile , the ghost of a smile , or an enigmatic quirk of the lips .
If you’re stuck for a facial expression, try a YouTube search similar to the following: facial expressions __________ , where the blank specifies the expression you’d like to see. Then, fire up your creativity to show the emotion behind that expression.
Context Is Crucial
Many emotion beats can be caused by multiple emotions. Ensure that your context provides clear direction for readers.
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27 thoughts on “ 400+ Ways to Exploit Facial Expressions in Writing ”
Kathy — As a poker player (Facial Expressions!), and a writer (Facial Expressions!”) where can I find a copy of your Facial Expressions book? That sounds so cool (and so necessary). Let me know, will you? I want one! – – – – – – – – – – Larry W. Phillips BOOKS: “Ernest Hemingway On Writing”, “F. Scott Fitzgerald On Writing”, “Zen and the Art of Poker’ * others. EMAIL: [email protected]
PS — I do not have a website
Thanks, Larry.
Scroll down to The Writer’s Body Lexicon on this page: https://kathysteinemann.com/Musings/books-lexicon/
Excellent timing! Right now, digital versions of all three Lexicon s are half price.
Wow! That was an absolutely excellent list! Thank you so much!
Thanks, Dawn. Have a great weekend!
Thank you so much for such a list, it has really helped me edit out many things out of my work.
Thanks for reading this, Zaza, and good luck with your editing!
Thanks so much for this list! I’ve been trying to figure out how to describe the uh-oh or oh dear face that people make where their bottom lip pulls down to one side. This is usually done in an effort to communicate with someone silently. There’s also the facial gesture, often accompanied by a shrug, that communicates indifference or an inability to answer a question. I’ve been using “he/she pulled up his/her bottom lip and shrugged his/her shoulders” for that one. Can you suggest anything else for either of those. I think your lopsided grimace might do it for the uh-oh/oh dear. Now for a little pet peeve I have. You are certainly not alone with this. It seems like everyone words these actions this way. To chew one’s lip is physically impossible. We chew with our molars, in the back of the mouth. We bite with our incisors, in the front of the mouth. So it should be bit at one’s lip/bite one’s lip. Chewing one’s cheek would be more correct than biting one’s cheek. Biting your cheek refers to the chomp you accidentally give your cheek when you’re eating. Again, this is not meant as criticism. Just something I’d like to see writers correct. If in doubt about this, try googling chew one’s lip. All the results come back as bite one’s lip. Anyway, thanks again for this resource. It’s helped me soooo much!
I’ve never heard of this one, Kris: “… the uh-oh or oh dear face that people make where their bottom lip pulls down to one side. This is usually done in an effort to communicate with someone silently.” Yes, the lopsided grimace would work, although I wouldn’t interpret it as trying to communicate with someone silently.
I would communicate indifference with a simple shrug — not of the shoulders. Shrug: to raise one’s shoulders slightly and momentarily to express doubt, ignorance, or indifference. The definition already includes shoulders.
What do you call it when you put a pen or pencil in your mouth and bite on it repeatedly with your teeth? Chewing on gnawing on it. What do you call the same action with a carrot or a finger? Chewing or gnawing on it. So what do you call it when you put your lip between your teeth and repeatedly bite on it? 🙂 Google defines chewing as a repeated biting or gnawing of something.
To “bite one’s lip” or to “bite one’s tongue” are idioms that mean to prevent oneself from saying something inappropriate for the situation.
I’m glad you stopped by, Kris. Good luck with your writing!
I really thank you & appreciate your kindness & generosity in sharing these facial expressions..I am just beginning to write…just retired, being a senior citizen..
Thanks again, Ester.
It’s help me a lot,thank you
I’m glad this helps you, Ashley.
Thank you very much. I am novice script writer and this helps tremendously.
My pleasure, Cudda. I’m glad this post helps you.
THANK YOU!! I am so tired of talking about brows furrowing, corners of mouths turning up, and eyes glistening with emotion 🙂
I’m glad I could help, Robin.
Thanks for all the adjectives and phrases! Will check out your books. Have some other such books that unfortunately have been redundant and unimaginative. I like your approach and method. Thanks!
Thanks, KC.
Good luck with your writing, and stay safe!
I’m leaving this comment for an upcoming blog post on the wrong way to share links. I need a URL, and I don’t want to focus on a comment left by someone else. I’ll edit this to include the link for the post once it’s online.
Thanks for your patience, folks! Exclamation point intended. 🙂
Edit to comment: You can read the blog post that references this comment here: https://kathysteinemann.com/Musings/link-share-mistake/
Thanks, Fran.
thanks helpful *flashing eyes* haha
You’re welcome.
This is so helpful. I’ve often thought, ‘how do I show that in writing.’ Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for dropping by, Tricia!
Hi Kathy, These lists must be very helpful for writers with little imagination – for some do write in a mundane way….The really ‘clever clogs’ (to be applauded) can, sometimes, also overwrite and tend to really milk their prose. It’s hard going to slog your way through 6/800 pages – however good they are when you’re a busy writer yourself.(As I did reading ‘The Goldfinch’ – an intelligent, worthy writer: brilliant but she doesn’t know when to stop…(I should be so lucky!) Thanks, Kathy.
Thanks for stopping by so often, Joy.
Yes, overmilked prose does make for a sluggish read. I’ve read popular authors who go on … and on … until I lose track of the storyline. But I’m amazed at the detail writers like Colleen McCullough include without making their books seem tedious.
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