Any expression for this?
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1Can you describe the meaning of this expression in cultural context? And in more words? Do you happen to know if there is a particular expression for this in another language (like say Farsi) that can at least be translated?– MitchSep 29, 2011 at 20:10
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1Without more context, you're likely to get a wide variety of answers, from positive to negative meanings. Can you tell us more that doesn't rely on interpreting just the image? Is the expression well-known in pictures online of a certain type, for example (like the meme one answerer has suggested) or does it occur in a particular situation?– aedia λSep 29, 2011 at 20:37
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6E.g. Is he saying Not bad, or is he saying Smells awful?– DanielSep 29, 2011 at 20:41
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1It's difficult to give a definitive answer as gestures/expressions vary across cultural boundaries. Semi-jokingly - this expression could be applied as, "Hey, I shagged your wife yesterday!" <EXPRESSION> "Really...Which one?" - Nonplussed, flummoxed, disinterested could cover it :)– user9682Sep 29, 2011 at 21:51
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As someone who has worked with both Quebecois and Parisians, I can say it's a typically Gallic facial expression...– GnawmeSep 29, 2011 at 22:27
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6 Answers
Do a Google image search on moue. I think it matches pretty well.
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1I'm torn here. This is a great word, and I'm all for giving it more exposure. But most of those images look nothing like the picture in the question. Images for sturgeon face (mentioned in the comments for sequoia's answer) seem to match better, in my opinion. But back to the plus side, the intent behind moue and sturgeon face are similar (namely disdain or distaste). (I'm not convinced the expression posted is meant to be disdainful though, due to the raised eyebrows.)– John YSep 29, 2011 at 22:47
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Oh, I should quickly add that I'm now noticing that some sources indicate sturgeon face is meant disdainfully, while others agree more with the "not bad" interpretation. I do think it has a lot to do with the eyebrows.– John YSep 29, 2011 at 22:53
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@JohnY: I wish I could find an illustration rather than the images, which I agree are all over the place. ( Ahmedinejad's is a classic moue.) That being said, it's a difficult expression; I myself cannot pull it off well at all.– GnawmeSep 29, 2011 at 23:07
"Not bad!" as in "That's pretty good!" It's a look of approval, suggesting that one is impressed with what they see and that the presenter has earned their respect to some degree.
sources: Know your Meme | Wiktionary
answered Sep 29, 2011 at 20:25
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The context of the similar photo of Ahmadinejad on a Newsweek cover suggests the opposite of good, with headline (at first glance) reading "Everything about Iran is Wrong". (The phrase "you think you know" after "Everything" is much less visible.) Note, this photo of Ahmadinejad is perhaps the source of the image in the question. Your meme reference uses title "Sturgeon Face". Sep 29, 2011 at 21:48
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well, given the amount of context provided with the question, trying to give a definitive answer is a fools errand; it's like trying to answer "what's 1 + x ?" without knowing x. Given that fact, I stand firmly by my answer! If that's not a "not bad" face, I'm the queen of England. :) Sep 29, 2011 at 21:52
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The most straightforward answer would be a frown, but like others have commented, facial expressions are subject to cultural interpretation. (In particular, the raised eyebrows are somewhat at odds with the extremely downward-turned mouth.)
Another option: Pretentious. Like an "I'm better than you" face.
answered Sep 30, 2011 at 8:24
In English as in French: 'Pffff'.
answered Sep 29, 2011 at 20:05
Reserved expression of approval
answered Sep 30, 2011 at 13:57
