Open mouth Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈoʊpən maʊθ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A facial expression characterized by a wide, open mouth, often indicating surprise, shock, or amazement.

Examples

• Her open mouth expressed her astonishment at the news.
• The audience’s open mouths reflected their amazement at the magician’s trick.

Synonyms

• Agape
• Astounded

Antonyms

• Closed mouth
• Unimpressed

Additional Information

The open mouth expression is a universal human reaction to unexpected events or astonishing experiences. It can be accompanied by raised eyebrows, wide eyes, and a slackened jaw. This facial expression is often used to convey surprise, shock, or amazement in various contexts, including everyday conversations, dramatic performances, and even in art and literature.

In psychology, the open mouth expression is studied as a nonverbal cue that can reveal an individual’s emotional state. Researchers have found that people tend to display an open mouth when they are experiencing strong emotions, such as surprise, shock, or excitement.

Etymology

The phrase “open mouth” is a literal description of the facial expression, with no specific etymological origins.

Usage Notes

The phrase “open mouth” is often used to describe a facial expression, but it can also be used figuratively to convey a sense of astonishment or surprise.

Cultural References

The open mouth expression has been depicted in various art forms, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Drop-jawed amazement
• Jaw-dropping surprise

Related Words or Phrases

• Agape
• Astounded
• Flabbergasted

Collocations

• Open mouth and wide eyes
• Open mouth in shock

Frequency of Use

The phrase “open mouth” is commonly used in everyday conversations and writing to describe a facial expression or convey a sense of surprise.

Common Misspellings

• Open mouh
• Open mought