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👄
Mouthhigh reliabilitysubtle

Unilateral Lip Corner Pull

One corner of the mouth pulls up while the other remains neutral or pulls down.

ContemptDistrustSuperiority

Visual Description

Asymmetric expression with one lip corner raised, creating a smirk-like appearance.

Duration: briefVisibility: subtle

How to Observe

  • Watch for asymmetry specifically
  • Often very brief - blink and miss it
  • Strong predictor of negative attitudes

Context Matters

  • •Universal micro-expression for contempt
  • •Often very brief (less than 1 second)
  • •Can be subtle or pronounced
  • •Indicates feeling of superiority

Common Misinterpretations

  • âš May be habitual expression
  • âš Can be confused with thinking expression
  • âš Sometimes indicates uncertainty, not contempt

Quick Info

Primary Signal
Contempt
Body Region
👄Mouth
Reliability
high
Duration

brief

Visibility

subtle

Related Cues

Chin Raise/Jutting

Opposite Signals

Genuine Smile (Duchenne)