What’s up, dear readers? Time to put a smile on your face because there is a new post today! Body language is something that is part of our daily lives, even if we don’t realize it. We are always communicating through our bodies and transmitting nonverbal information with our movements, gestures and facial expressions. But I believe that we do not always know the name given to these actions that are ever-present in the way we express ourselves. And that’s why we are going to learn their names and see what they mean. Let’s dig in!

to frown 

It is normal to frown when we are thinking or feeling angry

• I noticed the teacher was frowning as she read my essay, so I guess she wasn’t really pleased with my writing 

to blush

When people are feeling shy or embarrassed, you usually blush.

• His compliments during the meeting made me blush 

to smile 

You smile to express happiness, joy or friendliness

• Smile! It’s Friday, the weekend is coming!

to shrug 

People shrug when they are unsure of something or when they don’t care.

• I asked my boss for a raise but he simply shrugged, as if to say that there was nothing he could do about it 

to wink 

If you are trying to flirt or share a secret with someone, try to wink.

• I couldn’t tell if Richard was telling the truth, but then he winked at me and I knew he was just kidding 

*atenção: quando usamos ambos os olhos dizemos blinking, mas com um olho só usa-se winking

to wave

When you are greeting someone, it is common to wave.

• A strange man was waving at me on the street, so I just waved back to be polite

to yawn 

If you are feeling tired, bored or sleepy, you yawn.

• I was so exhausted yesterday that I could not help but yawn in the middle of the manager’s presentation 

to nod

Whenever you agree with what is being said, you should nod your head.

• I asked my mom if I could borrow her car and she simply nodded, then I took it 

to shake your head 

You shake your head to convey disagreement and disappointment.

• The lady at checkout shook her head when I tried to pay with my card, so I had to find an ATM 

to bite your nails

If you get nervous or anxious, you might bite your nails.

• I used to bite my nails all the time during flights, but now I stopped  

to gape  

In moments of surprise, shock or disbelief, your mouth normally gapes.

• The tourists were gaping when they first saw Niagara Falls 

to pout 

To express discontent and disappointment, you can pout.

• You can pout all you want, Charlie, but you are not watching TV unless you finish your meal 

That’s it! Now put that frown upside and enjoy your week!