"Duckface" is a term used to describe the exaggerated pouting expression people make when taking selfies. The IPA phonetic transcription for "duckface" is /ˈdʌk.feɪs/. The first syllable, "duck," is pronounced with a short "u" sound and the "ck" and "c" sounds are pronounced separately. The second syllable, "face," is pronounced with a long "a" sound and an "s" sound at the end. While "duckface" may be a popular term in common vocabulary, it is not formally recognized in dictionaries.
Duckface refers to a facial expression or pose commonly characterized by puckering or pushing out one's lips to create a fuller appearance, resembling the beak of a duck or similar waterfowl. This term gained popularity with the rise of social media, particularly in the early 2010s, as individuals began posing for selfies by adopting this specific facial expression. Often deliberately exaggerated and intended to elicit a certain aesthetic appeal, duckface involves the act of pouting one's lips while maintaining a relaxed or blank expression in the rest of the face.
The term "duckface" is often used with a slightly negative or satirical connotation, as it has become associated with self-conscious or attention-seeking behavior. It is frequently criticized for being inauthentic, contrived, or indulgent. Critics argue that duckface poses are attempts to project a false or exaggerated sense of beauty or attractiveness.
Furthermore, duckface has become a cultural meme and is widely parodied or mocked in popular media, humorously depicting the exaggerated facial expression for comedic effect. This term has also entered the vernacular as a common slang, used to describe individuals who consistently adopt this pose or expression in their photographs. It is important to note that the popularity and usage of the term may vary across different contexts and regions.
The word "duckface" is a slang term used to describe a facial expression often made in selfies or photos, where the lips are puckered and the person appears to pout or resemble a duck.
The etymology of the word "duckface" is fairly straightforward. It derives from the combination of the word "duck" and "face", simply describing the semblance of a duck's beak or mouth made by the lips when making this expression. The term gained popularity and entered common usage due to its association with the viral trend of taking selfies and countless photos shared on social media platforms.