10 Common Facial Expressions Explained

 Facial Expressions are supposedly Universal, or at least some of them. Here are a few of the most universal and why every one understands them.

10. Confusion

When confused typically you scrunch the nose and forehead, maybe with pursed lips and a raised eyebrow. A confused face actually represents trying harder to understand the world around us and can even be found among chimpanzees. We all desire to understand the world on all levels.

9. Shame

Shame, similar to the animal kingdom expression for submission, is expressed with averted, down-cast eyes and a sad or worried look. This similarity would make sense since shame often follows the loss of a game or competition and not meeting others expectations and admitting defeat.

8. Surprise

Surprise is an emotion and expression very similar to fear and is one of the most instinctual facial expressions we make. It is an immediate reaction we have to something, meaning it is not consciously made. The facial expression typically includes widened eyes, a gaping mouth, and large pupils to help us take in our environment and react quickly and efficiently.

7. Focus

Focus can manifest a facial expression depending on whether we are focused on a particular physical task or on a thought or idea. When focused on a task typically our eyes are fixed on the physical object or project we are working on, whereas if focused on an idea we are often looking upward with averted eyes. Both exhibit far less blinking. Something many don’t know is that focus also has a “motor disinhibition,” where the tongue twists and moves from side to side – this is also why we blink less
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6. Exhaustion

Indications of fatigue and exhaustion are half-open eyelids and often raised eye brows to try and keep yourself awake. (You remember that look early in the morning mirror?) This expression is also shown in intelligent great apes. This expression serves in a very similar way to the battery icon on your phone – to tell others what your energy levels are and what our potential capabilities are
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5. Seduction

While there is an “art” to seduction, meaning that facial expressions can vary from person to person, there are a few general features we can recognize. Intense and fixated eyes, occasionally slightly narrowed, pursed or slightly parted lips, and a slight tilt to the head to expose more neck. Why are these typical? The eyes, mouth and neck are considered desirable and sensual areas of the body – basically it’s to show off our sexiest features.

4. Anger

Anger is perhaps one of the most universal emotions and facial expression around the world. It is unmistakable – squeezed eyebrows, creased forehead, narrowed eyes, a slightly lowered head and a lowered brow. Anger presents itself in the tension in our face and is a primal feeling that shows in many species
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3. Fear

As mentioned before, fear and surprise manifest in the face very similarly. Both are instinctual and designed to help us react to potential danger. Again wide eyes, raised eyebrows, and widened pupils, a 2008 scientific study showed that this expression allowed the subject to take in more air and track targets more quickly
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2. Sadness

Typically shown with an upward slant in the eyebrows and a frown, sadness and its expression leaves a sense of loss and helplessness. Sadness is a facial expression that is simply a drawing down or drooping of your natural facial features. It indicates defeat and disengagement with others.

1. Happiness

Happiness is perhaps the only facial expression even more universal than anger. A happy face includes a smile and crescent-shaped eyes that are even shown by infants. Human smiles are different from other species that use a “mouth smile” for intimidation. Many believe it might not be that different and that a smile is actually meant to be an indication of good health
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Whether facial expressions are universal or not, humans are very good at interpreting emotions from the face and body.