What is a Real Smile Called?
A real smile is called a Duchenne smile.
The Duchenne smile, named after 19th-century French anatomist Guillaume Duchenne de Boulogne, is a genuine smile reflecting true enjoyment, happiness, or joy. It's easily distinguishable from a fake or polite smile because of specific facial muscle engagement.
Key Characteristics of a Duchenne Smile:
- Crow's Feet: Wrinkles appear at the corners of the eyes. This is a crucial indicator, as fake smiles typically don't engage these muscles.
- Muscle Engagement: Both the zygomaticus major muscle (raising the corners of the mouth) and the orbicularis oculi muscle (creating crow's feet around the eyes) are activated.
Several sources confirm the Duchenne smile as the hallmark of genuine happiness:
- Healthline: Describes the Duchenne smile as a "genuine, a smile of true enjoyment, happiness, or joy." https://www.healthline.com/health/duchenne-smile
- New Scientist: Defines the Duchenne smile as the "genuine" smile, differentiating it from other types of smiles. https://www.newscientist.com/definition/duchenne-smile/
- ScienceDirect: States that a genuine smile is also known as a Duchenne smile, characterized by crow's feet. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/duchenne-smile
- Paul Ekman: Highlights the Duchenne marker as the most reliable indicator of an enjoyment smile. https://www.paulekman.com/blog/fake-smile-or-genuine-smile/
- Verywell Mind: Explains that Duchenne smiles signal true positivity. https://www.verywellmind.com/duchenne-smile-7547656
The Duchenne smile provides a reliable way to distinguish between genuine and insincere expressions of happiness. Its consistent identification across various studies solidifies its significance in understanding emotional expression.
