Generally, when the chin is raised, it is a positive sign. The angle of the chin can be important as well. This is less obvious than pointing with a finger, and it is less susceptible to being interpreted as a hostile gesture. The chin is raised in a quick jerking motion. It is a way to acknowledge a transfer of attention. Jutting the chin in a specific direction is a kind of pointing motion that directs other people where you want them to look. The implication is that the person needs to hold his or her head up or it will fall onto the table. When someone of either gender reverses the hand and puts the chin in the palm of the hand, holding up the head as in the attached picture, it is a sign of fatigue or boredom. It adds a subconscious layer of security when you may be feeling vulnerable. Holding the chin would make it less likely for you to give out premature information on your state of mind. You want to hear all the points being made, but you do not want to indicate agreement by head nodding until you have all the information. Suppose you are negotiating with a car salesman and are listening intently. Holding the chin also keeps the head from moving. The need for this protection may spring from a perceived lack of trust between you and the other person. The protection is largely symbolic, but that happens frequently in body language, and it is important to consider the symbolism that may be in play. It may be an unconscious protective gesture in some circumstances when a person is feeling vulnerable. Men also are usually listening when they are stroking their facial hair slowly.įemales will also stroke their chin, but not nearly as often as men, and they more likely have an open hand rather than a closed one.Īnother aspect of touching the chin is that doing so blocks an attack to the throat from the front. Chin propping is thought to be good listening behavior for a male, according to Bill Acheson of the University of Pittsburgh. When a male holds his chin between the bent forefinger and thumb, it usually means the man is listening intently. Perhaps this student stayed up all night last night to finish her paper and is simply tired.Ĭhin touching for a male may also signal boredom or the exact opposite. When just one person is assuming the position, the signal is much weaker. When I see several students holding their heads up, I know it is time to break things up with a physical activity or an actual break to use the facilities. Teachers frequently see this body language in the classroom. When people touch their chin, it can mean a number of different things depending on gender and exactly how the chin is touched.

Body quiver meaning