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A pouting or grimace, often made to express annoyance or discontent.
synonyms:poutgrimace
The word 'moue' originates from the French language, where it literally means 'a facial expression' or 'a pout'. Its roots can be traced back to the Old French term 'moue', which itself derives from the verb 'mouler', meaning 'to mold' or 'to shape'.
The term is generally used in literary contexts or discussions about facial expressions, often to describe a specific, somewhat playful or exaggerated reaction.
While 'moue' is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it appears in literary texts and discussions about expressions, making it somewhat niche.
She made a moue of disappointment when she realized she couldn’t attend the concert.
His moue was so exaggerated it could have been mistaken for a theatrical performance.
After hearing the bad news, she turned away with a quick moue, her annoyance palpable.
The word 'moue' is not just a fun term; it adds a dash of flair to descriptions of facial expressions. Originating from French, it captures that moment when someone’s lips curl in a way that conveys emotion—often annoyance or discontent. It's a delightful way to articulate a feeling that many can relate to but may not have the right word for. So next time you see someone making a face, you might just think, 'What a perfect moue!'