Stirnrunzeln

Stirnrunzeln is the facial expression commonly described in English as a frown or brow furrow. The expression is produced when the muscles around the forehead and eyes contract, mainly the corrugator supercilii and the procerus, which pull the eyebrows downward and inward and create wrinkles on the forehead. It is usually associated with negative affect such as confusion, skepticism, concern, anger, or concentration, but can also occur during moments of deep focus or reflexive responses.

Etymology and usage: the term is German, formed from Stirn (forehead) and runzeln (to furrow or wrinkle). In everyday speech and in psychology or art discussions, Stirnrunzeln is used to describe this specific facial pattern and its observable features rather than a discrete emotion on its own.

Causes and variability: Stirnrunzeln can arise from internal states (e.g., trying to solve a problem, reacting to bad news) or external stimuli (e.g., unclear instructions, unpleasant visuals). The same expression can be interpreted differently depending on context, culture, and individual differences, so observers may associate it with a range of emotions from disapproval to concentration.

Perception and consequences: facial expressions such as Stirnrunzeln influence social judgments, including perceived friendliness, openness, or credibility. Repeated muscle activity over time may contribute to permanent forehead lines, sometimes referred to as glabellar or forehead wrinkles.

In culture and media, Stirnrunzeln is a common visual cue used to convey doubt, scrutiny, or intensity of thought. It appears across ages and is frequently depicted in portraits, films, and everyday interactions.