Smile
A smile is a facial expression formed by flexing the muscles near both ends of the mouth and by flexing muscles throughout the mouth. Some smiles include contraction of the muscles at the corner of the eyes (see 'Duchenne Smiling' below). Among humans, it is an expression denoting pleasure, sociability, happiness, or amusement, but can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety, in which case it is known as a grimace. Smiling is something that is understood by everyone despite culture, race, or religion; it is internationally known. Cross-cultural studies have shown that smiling is a means of communication throughout the world. But there are large differences between different cultures. A smile can also be spontaneous or artificial.
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Famous quotes containing the word smile:
“Let those who desire a secure homeland conquer it. Let those who do not conquer it live under the whip and in exile, watched over like wild animals, cast from one country to another, concealing the death of their souls with a beggars smile from the scorn of free men.”
—José Martí (18531895)
“We are put there beside the three thieves
for the lowest of us all
deserve to smile in eternity
like a watermelon.”
—Anne Sexton (19281974)
“The morose one refuses to smile even when he has just had his teeth cleaned.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)