Discussion What exactly is a smile that's not a smile?

Think the Mona Lisa smile; an enigmatic smile that can be interpreted in many different ways and usually represents more than mere happiness or amusement. It can mean many things.

 

Well, a typical hypocrite like me or any other person in a situation where you hear a really bad joke, but it came from someone you know, so you just have to "smile" with your mouth, but not with yours eyes and other important parts, a keen human eye can see it through.

Ps. After a "theater school" you get a "mask" for most situations that is why actor "performs" as good on others occasions for them is nothing in it to play a emotional scene even if they are on street and not on stage.

 

Wouldn't smug face considered as smile? Kappa

 

A smile usually communicates enjoyment, happiness, amusement, or humor, so a smile that isn't a smile is a smile that doesn't embody any of these expressions. What it's supposed to look like is left deliberately vague and it can mean very different things in different situations. It's a challenge to the reader to figure out what emotion is being exhibited and why the person smiling feels that way. It's one of those Chinese expressions that is non-descriptive but still evocative.

I think that you're mostly correct, but the Mona Lisa example is a bit off. Unlike with any English expression, I think that this kind of smile is perfectly encapsulated by "微笑", so a more compilcated way to say the same thing isn't necessary.

Being smug is a perfectly normal reason for smiling so probably not.

 

A forced smile or something along those lines where the smile is indicating some other emotions

 

The smile of a sociopath/ psycopath maybe? Yandere?

A "smile which wasn't a smile" depends on the context no? Genre even.

In Horror or slasher films, it could mean that character smiles to hide their inner demons (intentions)

In romance or comedy, it could mean a character that is insecure, smiles to hide their pain.

In action, it could even be considered sarcasm. A smile to hint insanity, at charging in without thinking.

Kinda depends in my opinion.

 

To me, the firs thing that comes to mind is when one smiles but actually hurts inside - like a bittersweet feeling. Sort of like smiling through the tears.

Next comes the fake smiles:
1) either smiling and eyes remaining cold thus not actually meaning the smile and harboring evil intentions
2) smiling while actually smirking inside, being two faced

Then there's also the kind of dumbfounded smile, you just smile cuz you're so shocked and unbelieving of what's going on.

And of course the psychopathic smile.

Honestly, like others already mentioned - there are many kinds of smiles that are not actually smiles, depends on the situation & person.

 

it's like a picture of a hamburger... but it's not a real hamburger. you can't actually eat it.

all you can do is stare and be confused by the image. these are good times to ask, "why are you smiling?"

 

*expected to see mona lisa as example,saw things which cant be unseen*