• ruuster13@lemmy.zip
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    19 hours ago

    In American Sign Language, raising eyebrows has many functions. It can be used to ask yes/no. You can set context when telling a story. With lowered eyebrows you turn a “w” word (who/what/when etc.) into a question.

    But also, you use this more then you realize regardless of your language. If you lock eyes with a stranger at a bar then raise eyebrows, it means “you interested?” In regular conversation it means “are you serious?” or “wow!” depending on context. At a party it might be how you ask your friend across the room if they’re ready to leave or if they’re feeling safe.

    • pomegranatefern@sh.itjust.works
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      13 hours ago

      As an autistic person, learning the syntactical rules of ASL eyebrow usage explicitly had a very real side effect of several “ohhhh” moments about eyebrow usage in casual conversation.

  • saltnotsugar@lemmy.world
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    22 hours ago

    I do the Oxford eyebrows (2 raises). The Stanford eyebrows (3 raises) is a bit much. Not trying to get laid here.

  • gezero@sopuli.xyz
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    23 hours ago

    Slightly longer blink that would happen anyway joined with an unnoticeable nod…