Pronunciation: [kɹˈə͡ʊz fˈiːt] (IPA) 
"Crows feet" is a term commonly used to describe the wrinkles that appear at the outer corners of the eyes as a person ages. The spelling of this term can be a bit confusing as it includes an irregularly spelled word: "feet." In IPA phonetic transcription, the word would be written as /kroʊz fiːt/. The "ow" sound in "crow" is pronounced like the "o" in "boat" and the "ee" in "feet" is pronounced like the "e" in "meet."
Crows feet, also referred to as laughter lines or smile lines, are a term commonly used in dermatology and cosmetology to describe the visible wrinkles that form at the outer corners of the eyes. The term "crows feet" is derived from the resemblance of the wrinkles to the footprints left by crows.
These lines occur as a result of the natural aging process and the repetitive muscle movements involved in facial expressions, particularly smiling and squinting. The skin around the eyes is delicate and thin, lacking oil glands, and therefore prone to forming wrinkles and fine lines as it loses elasticity and collagen over time.
Crows feet typically become more noticeable and pronounced as individuals advance in age, usually starting to appear in their 30s or 40s. They can be influenced by various factors including genetics, sun exposure, smoking, and general lifestyle habits.
As crows feet become more prominent, they may contribute to the overall perception of aging, making individuals appear older. While these wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process, many people seek cosmetic interventions, such as topical creams, injectables (e.g., Botox), or other cosmetic procedures, to minimize or reduce their appearance for a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
In summary, crows feet are lines and wrinkles that form at the outer corners of the eyes due to aging and repetitive facial expressions, and are a commonly cited cosmetic concern among individuals seeking a more youthful appearance.
The term "crow's feet" refers to the wrinkles or lines that develop around the outer corners of a person's eyes, resembling the feet of a crow. The etymology of this phrase can be traced back to Old English and Middle English.
The word "crow" comes from the Old English word "crawe", which originally referred to the bird itself. Over time, "crow" began to include the bird's foot as well. Additionally, in Middle English, "foot" was often spelled as "fote".
The phrase "crow's feet" emerged in the English language during the late 14th century, found in texts such as Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. It referred to the literal feet of crows. However, by the late 19th century, "crow's feet" took on a figurative meaning to describe the fine lines around the eyes due to their resemblance to the bird's footprints.
