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Jawhigh reliabilityobvious

Jaw Drop

Relaxation of jaw muscles causing the mouth to fall open.

SurpriseShockDisbeliefBoredom

Visual Description

Mouth falls open, lower jaw drops, often with wide eyes.

Duration: momentaryVisibility: obvious

How to Observe

  • Intensity indicates degree of surprise
  • Boredom shows slight opening, relaxed
  • Shock shows more dramatic opening

Context Matters

  • •Involuntary response to surprise
  • •Can indicate shock or disbelief
  • •Slight opening may indicate boredom
  • •Often accompanied by gasp

Common Misinterpretations

  • Boredom and surprise both cause it
  • May be physical (breathing)
  • Can be theatrical/exaggerated

Quick Info

Primary Signal
Surprise
Body Region
userJaw
Reliability
high
Duration

momentary

Visibility

obvious

Related Cues

Wide Eyes
Eyebrow Raise

Opposite Signals

Jaw Clenching

Associated Emotions

SurpriseShockAmazementDisbelief
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