What does “mewing” mean?
Mewing means to change your facial structure to sharpen your jawline. Mewing is a beauty trend that involves placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth against your teeth and swallowing. This is done to make your jawline pop out by tightening the skin on your chin.
Where did mewing come from?
Mewing as an exercise has been common for a long time. The name was created by online users in honor of Dr. John Mew, who popularized this method of jawline exercise in the 1970s. He advised retraining your tongue to sit at the roof of your mouth in order to accentuate your jawline. His son, Michael Mew, helped him promote the practice. Dr. John Mew lost his dental license in 2019. Although, he still practices as an orthodontist.
Why do teens mew?
Some teens jokingly mew when they don’t want to answer a question. If asked a question they aren’t fond of, teens may purse their lips together and hold a finger to them to simulate a ‘Shhh’ motion. Then, they will run their finger up and down their jawline to show off the results of their mewing. Some adults find mewing to be disrespectful, specifically in a classroom, as it can disrupt learning and make it harder for teachers to teach.
Other teens mew to have a sharper jawline. Mewing to strengthen your jawline became a trend on TikTok in 2023. Users see mewing as an alternative to using filters or getting surgery. Even though mewing as an exercise is popular, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says that it doesn’t work, and in some cases can lead to undesired outcomes. According to the AAO, mewing can disrupt the alignment of your teeth and worse bite problems and speech issues. If the damage is bad enough, mewing can result in the need for complex, complicated treatment.
Does mewing really work?
Although it helps your jawline pop, mewing doesn’t restructure your jaw. Mewing is mainly used to temporarily help your jaw pop out. If you want to permanently make your jawline sharper and more defined, the most effective method is cosmetic surgery. If your jaw is misaligned, surgery, tooth repair or removal, and orthodontics is the best way to correct it. You can also practice jaw exercises like chin lifts and frequent smiling.
How to Respond to Mewing
If you and the other person are joking around, mew back at them. Do this by moving your tongue to the roof of your mouth and putting your finger to your lips. If you’re older than the person you’re mewing at, this might get a laugh out of them. Since the slang is mainly common among young people, it’ll come off as hilariously jarring. If you don’t want to put your tongue to the roof of your mouth, simply pucker your lips and put your finger to them in a ‘Shhh’ motion. Then, run your finger up and down your jaw.
If the situation is serious, tell the person that they can mew on their own time. Do this when you’re asking a legitimate question and the other person responds by mewing. This will let them know that you aren’t kidding around. Explain that it doesn’t feel good to be ignored or shushed so they understand where you’re coming from. If they still don’t respond, try asking them why they won’t answer the question. Avoid arguing with them, as that can lead to power struggles and make the situation bigger than it needs to be.
Related TikTok Terms
Looksmaxxing Looksmaxxing refers to big and small self-care techniques that are meant to improve one’s physical appearance (or maximize their looks). Looksmaxxing is often common among young men. Common looksmaxxing techniques include working out, practicing skincare and, in some cases, getting cosmetic surgery. Looksmaxxing is sometimes broken down into softmaxxing, which includes light cosmetic improvements, and hardmaxxing, which usually refers to cosmetic surgery.
Sigma A sigma is a strong, “lone-wolf” type of person who is independent, successful, and commanding. They are considered rare and prefer not to conform, tending to operate on their own terms.
Alpha An alpha is a step below a sigma. They are also considered successful and commanding, usually leading whatever group they are a part of. They are fully aware of their looks and skills, often using those abilities to chat up women and climb the ladder at their jobs.
Beta A beta is a person who is seen as less dominating than others. They are usually kind, respectful, and approachable. They are people pleasers who are often considered more feminine than alphas and sigmas. They often put encouragement and motivation over domination and being demanding.
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