What Is Mewing Slang? Unpacking The Internet's Latest Jawline Obsession
The internet is a fascinating, ever-evolving landscape where new terms and phrases pop up faster than you can say "rizz." From "sigma male" to "looksmaxxing," online communities constantly coin and co-opt words, giving them new meanings and cultural weight. One such term that has gone from a specific, niche technique to widespread internet slang is "mewing." But what exactly is mewing, and how did it become a staple in online discourse?
Originally, mewing wasn't slang at all. It was a practice rooted in orthodontics. However, like many things that gain traction online, its meaning has broadened, twisted, and sometimes even been misunderstood. Let's dive into the journey of "mewing" from a proper oral posture technique to a viral internet sensation.
The Origins of Mewing: Beyond the Slang
Before it became a trending topic on TikTok and a meme-worthy term, "mewing" referred to a specific method aimed at improving facial structure and oral health. The name itself comes from British orthodontist Dr. John Mew and his son, Dr. Mike Mew, who championed the importance of proper tongue posture. So, at its core, mewing originally was a technique to square your jawline, that’s really it tbh. The name comes from orthodontist John Mew, hence mewing.
The fundamental principle of original mewing involves maintaining what is considered a proper, normal tongue posture. This means:
- Resting the tongue on the palate (roof of the mouth).
- Keeping the lips sealed.
- Having teeth in light contact.
- Breathing through the nose.
This posture is actually quite natural; Everybody has this posture as a baby, and a small majority of people do this naturally from then, as this posture develops from a sizeable period of… proper oral development. The Mews argued that maintaining this posture throughout life could lead to better facial development, including a more defined jawline, and could even help with issues like sleep apnea.
For those who commit to it, the practice can become second nature, albeit after some initial effort. As one individual noted, "It took me about a week to learn how to use correct tongue posture (mewing). At first, I would press my tongue against my teeth, which took a little bit to stop." The commitment can be profound, almost like an inescapable habit: "Anyway, mewing is kind of like a prison, but the prison is a million-dollar mansion. I can't stop doing it, but it has also massively impacted my facial structure." This highlights the deep dedication some people develop towards the practice, driven by the perceived benefits to their appearance.
From Technique to Internet Slang: The Digital Evolution
The internet, with its vast reach and rapid dissemination of information (and misinformation), has transformed "mewing" from a niche orthodontic concept into a widely recognized slang term. This evolution is largely due to its association with online communities focused on self-improvement, particularly physical attractiveness, a trend often dubbed "looksmaxxing: the process of maximizing one's physical attractiveness."
In the digital realm, "mewing" has taken on several new, often humorous or exaggerated, meanings:
The "Mewing Streak" and Online Challenges
One of the most common slang usages revolves around the idea of a "mewing streak." This refers to a continuous period of maintaining the proper tongue posture. Online, it's used in phrases like "Oh, don't break his mewing streak" or "Stop mewing." These phrases often imply that someone is so committed to improving their jawline that they shouldn't be interrupted, even if it means being silent or unresponsive.
Mewing as a Non-Verbal Cue
Perhaps the most interesting slang evolution is its use as a non-verbal signal. Imagine a situation where someone wants to politely (or not so politely) disengage from a conversation or indicate they're focused on something else. The action of placing one's tongue on the roof of their mouth to define or sharpen their jawline—the physical act of mewing—has become a subtle cue. As described, "I point to the jawline (aka mewing) to politely tell them to shut up. It is a tongue/mouth movement to strengthen the jaw line. In short, its sign language for 'I cant talk right now, I am working on my jawline.' I tell them they should be doing that now and then instead of talking all the time." This demonstrates how a physical action can become a form of communication within a specific subculture.
The "Cult Following" and Misconceptions
While the original concept of proper oral posture is certainly valid, the internet's embrace of "mewing" has also led to some extreme interpretations. For many teens, it has devolved into something almost mystical: "Mewing is a stupid term that has devolved into having a cult following of mostly teens believing it is a magic exercise that will change their life." This highlights the internet's tendency to amplify ideas, sometimes to the point of exaggeration or even delusion, turning a health practice into a "magic bullet" for aesthetic transformation.
Mewing's Place in Modern Slang Culture
The journey of "mewing" from a specific orthodontic technique to a widespread internet slang term is a perfect example of how language evolves in the digital age. It sits alongside other terms like "rizz" (charisma), "sigma" (a lone wolf type), and even more controversial phrases like "edging" or "meat riding," which gain traction in online communities. These terms, whether harmless or problematic, reflect the current zeitgeist and the way young people communicate and express themselves.
The internet acts like a massive, dynamic dictionary for these terms. Think about it a as a global Wikipedia but with slang and other controversial topics. Both UD and Wikipedia are created, managed, and referenced by the community. This collaborative, user-generated nature of online content means that terms like "mewing" can quickly spread, acquire new layers of meaning, and become part of the common lexicon for a particular demographic.
While some might dismiss "mewing" as just "weird" or question "What is the point of mewing?", its prevalence reflects a broader cultural interest in self-improvement, physical appearance, and the unique ways online communities communicate. The importance of proper oral posture is indeed a real thing, and the Mews deserve credit for spearheading that awareness. However, the internet's interpretation of "mewing" has transcended its original purpose, becoming a shorthand for dedication to facial aesthetics and even a non-verbal cue in certain social circles.
Summary
In conclusion, "mewing" has undergone a fascinating transformation from a specialized orthodontic technique, championed by Dr. John Mew, focusing on proper tongue posture for facial development, into a multifaceted internet slang term. What began as a method to achieve a more defined jawline through correct oral habits has evolved into a popular online phenomenon. In its slang form, "mewing" now refers to dedicated efforts in "looksmaxxing," the commitment to maintaining a "mewing streak," and even a non-verbal signal to indicate focus on one's jawline or a desire for silence. This evolution showcases how the internet rapidly adopts, redefines, and disseminates terms, making "mewing" a prime example of modern digital language and its ever-changing landscape.
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Macquarie Dictionary
