Sticking out your tongue for a picture is largely a matter of personal style and cultural influence. It's a common pose in selfies and casual photos, especially among the younger generation. Here are a few reasons why people might do it:
- Expressing Playfulness or Humour: Sticking out the tongue can be seen as a symbol of playfulness or cheeky behaviour. It's often associated with a carefree and spontaneous attitude. This can be an opportunity to project an image of being relaxed and not taking oneself too seriously.
- Youthful Appeal: This posture partly owes its popularity to the younger demographic, as it exudes a sense of youthfulness and whimsically rebellious charm. Celebrities, pop culture figures, and social media influencers frequently use this pose, thereby popularising it among their fanbase.
- Cultural References: In certain cultures, sticking out one's tongue might have a specific meaning or connotation. For instance, in Tibetan culture, it is used as a greeting and a sign of respect. Conversely, pop icon Miley Cyrus is often associated with this pose due to her frequent usage of it during her performances and in her photos.
- Attention-Getting: Simply put, it's a surefire way to attract attention to oneself. Since it's a somewhat unconventional pose, it immediately draws the viewer's gaze to the photo and makes it stand out among a sea of normal pictures.
Learn more:
- Psychology Behind Women Sticking Their Tongues Out In Photos (Bustle)
- Term: Tongue Out (ScienceDaily)
- What Muscles Does Your Tongue Use? (Healthline)