“Mewing” has become a term that has gained significant popularity on social media and internet culture in recent years. Though it might sound unusual, “mewing” refers to a specific practice that has sparked a lot of conversation, especially among younger generations. This article will explain what “mewing” means in slang, its origins, and how it is used.
What Does “Mewing” Mean?
In slang, “mewing” refers to a technique that involves positioning your tongue against the roof of your mouth in a specific way, with the goal of improving jawline appearance, facial structure, or even health. The technique was popularized by Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist, who claimed that this practice could help shape the face by encouraging proper tongue posture.
While “mewing” initially had a more scientific context related to orthodontics, it has now taken on a more informal, even humorous, meaning in popular culture. People online, especially on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, talk about “mewing” as a way to achieve a more defined jawline or to improve their facial appearance.
For example:
- “I’ve been mewing for a week and I can already see a difference in my jawline.”
- “She’s really into mewing, trying to get that perfect face shape.”
In this context, “mewing” is associated with beauty or self-improvement, often discussed in a lighthearted or aspirational way.
Origins of “Mewing”
“Mewing” originates from the practices of Dr. John Mew, who developed the concept of orthotropic treatment in the 1980s. Dr. Mew’s ideas were primarily focused on how facial structure can be influenced by jaw alignment and tongue posture. However, the concept of mewing became more widely known when it was popularized by internet influencers and enthusiasts, especially on YouTube and Reddit, where people shared their experiences and results from practicing mewing.
As social media and online communities grew, the term “mewing” evolved from a niche orthodontic term to a broader, more casual slang term. It quickly gained traction, particularly in beauty and self-improvement circles, and is now a popular term used to describe this tongue posture practice.
How “Mewing” is Used in Slang
- As a Beauty Trend: In its most common use, “mewing” is often mentioned in the context of beauty, where people discuss how the technique supposedly helps to enhance their jawline or improve the overall appearance of their face.
- For Self-Improvement: People who are interested in facial aesthetics may use “mewing” to describe their efforts to improve their physical appearance without resorting to surgery or invasive treatments.
Example:
- “I’ve been mewing for a few months now, and my jawline is looking sharper.”
Meaning of “Mewing” in Social Media
On platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, “mewing” has become a trendy topic among people who are interested in improving their facial features. Many individuals create before-and-after videos, claiming to show how their facial structure has changed due to mewing. It has sparked a lot of debate, with some people claiming noticeable improvements and others calling it ineffective or exaggerated.
“Mewing” is often used as a hashtag or in discussions around non-invasive ways to enhance appearance, typically framed within the context of self-care, health, and beauty trends. While some advocate for the practice seriously, others view it more as a fad or a joke.
Using “Mewing” in Real Life
There are different ways that people use “mewing” in casual conversations or online discussions. Here are a few examples:
To Talk About Facial Aesthetics or Beauty
“Mewing” is commonly used in the context of beauty discussions, particularly when someone is sharing their efforts to improve their facial features or jawline.
- “I’ve been practicing mewing, trying to get that chiseled look.”
To Share Personal Results
People who have been mewing for a while often share their results with others, discussing the changes they’ve noticed in their face shape or jawline.
- “I’ve been mewing for six weeks, and my face looks more sculpted now.”
As Part of Self-Improvement
Some people refer to mewing as part of a broader self-improvement regimen that involves physical appearance and health.
- “Mewing is part of my daily routine now. It’s all about improving my posture and face.”
Alternatives to “Mewing”
While “mewing” has gained a lot of attention in recent years, there are other terms or practices related to beauty and self-improvement. Here are a few alternatives:
- Jawline Exercises: These exercises involve specific movements or techniques to strengthen the muscles around the jaw and neck, aimed at improving jawline definition.
- Facial Yoga: A practice that involves exercises designed to tone the facial muscles, which some people believe can enhance facial features.
- Cosmetic Surgery: More invasive options for improving the appearance of the jawline, such as jaw surgery or chin implants, are sometimes considered by people looking for more immediate or permanent results.
Other Popular Slang Terms
In addition to “mewing,” there are several other slang terms that have gained popularity in recent years, especially in beauty and self-care communities. Here are a few:
- Rizz: Short for charisma, used to describe someone who is good at flirting or attracting others.
- Flex: To show off, often used to describe someone displaying their achievements or appearance.
- Glow-Up: A term used to describe someone who has gone through a noticeable transformation, often in terms of their appearance or style.
- Skinfluencer: A person who shares tips and advice on skincare, often using social media to promote beauty products and routines.
Conclusion
“Mewing” is a term that has evolved from an orthodontic technique to a popular slang term used in beauty and self-improvement circles. While it refers to a specific tongue posture practice designed to improve jawline definition and facial structure, it has taken on a broader meaning in the context of self-care trends. Whether used seriously or ironically, “mewing” has become a part of the lexicon for people discussing non-invasive ways to enhance their appearance.
