A squint smile is often understood as a smile that involves the eyes, conveying genuineness and warmth. According to one definition, the way your eyes look when you have a genuine smile on your face is called the "squinch." This expression is also known as the "smize," meaning smiling with your eyes. It's a look that expresses warmth and sincerity.
Understanding the Squint Smile
While the term "squint smile" isn't a formal scientific definition, it commonly refers to the facial expression where a smile involves the muscles around the eyes tightening slightly, causing them to appear somewhat squinted or narrower. This is distinct from a smile that only involves the mouth.
Key Characteristics
The squint smile, linked to the concept of the 'squinch' or 'smize', includes several key characteristics:
- Eye Involvement: The primary feature is the engagement of the orbicularis oculi muscles around the eyes, creating wrinkles or crow's feet at the corners.
- Genuineness: This type of smile is widely perceived as more genuine and authentic than a forced or purely mouth-driven smile.
- Warmth and Sincerity: As noted by the reference, the squinch or smize expresses warmth and sincerity.
Squint Smile vs. Other Smiles
Understanding the difference between a smile involving the eyes and one that doesn't is crucial in facial expression analysis and even in areas like photography and communication.
| Feature | Squint Smile (Involving Eyes/Squinch) | Non-Squint Smile (Mouth Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes | Crinkle, narrow slightly | Remain open or unchanged |
| Perception | Genuine, warm, sincere | Can appear forced or polite |
| Muscles Used | Mouth and eye muscles | Primarily mouth muscles |
The "Smize" Connection
The term "smize" (smile with your eyes) became popular in modeling and photography as a technique to convey emotion and authenticity in images, even when the mouth isn't fully visible. It directly relates to the "squinch" described in the reference, highlighting the importance of the eye area in expressing a genuine smile.
Why the Squint Smile Matters
This type of smile is significant because it's a strong indicator of a genuine emotional state. It's often referred to as a Duchenne smile, named after the French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne de Boulogne, who studied facial muscles. A true Duchenne smile involves both the zygomatic major muscle (which pulls the corners of the mouth up) and the orbicularis oculi muscle (which creates the eye crinkles).
- Improved Communication: Conveying sincerity through a squint smile can enhance trust and connection in social interactions.
- Photography & Appearance: Learning to "smize" can make portraits look more engaging and authentic.
In summary, a squint smile is best understood as a smile where the eyes are actively involved, often referred to as a "squinch" or "smize." It is characterized by the muscles around the eyes engaging, conveying genuine emotion, warmth, and sincerity, rather than just the mouth smiling.
