Introduction

“Mewing” is an internet slang term that has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly within the “looksmaxxing” community. It refers to a technique that involves positioning the tongue against the roof of the mouth to improve facial structure, particularly the jawline. The practice has sparked widespread interest online, with many claiming it can enhance one’s appearance by creating a more defined jawline.

Origin of the Term

The concept of “mewing” was introduced by British orthodontist Dr. Mike Mew, who, along with his father Dr. John Mew, developed the technique as part of a broader orthodontic approach called “orthotropics.” The method was popularized through Dr. Mike Mew’s YouTube channel, where he shared videos explaining how correct tongue posture could potentially influence facial development. The term “mewing” itself was coined by the online community as the practice gained traction, particularly on platforms like YouTube and Reddit.

Meaning and Usage

Mewing involves placing the tongue flat against the roof of the mouth while keeping the teeth gently together and the lips closed. Proponents of mewing believe that maintaining this posture over time can lead to a more prominent jawline and improved facial aesthetics. The technique has been embraced by the “looksmaxxing” community—an online group focused on maximizing physical appearance—and has since become a viral trend on social media, particularly TikTok.

In conversation, “mewing” is often used to describe someone who is practicing this technique or to refer to the act of trying to improve one’s jawline. For example:

• Example 1: “I’ve been mewing for a few months now, and I think my jawline is starting to look more defined.”
• Example 2: “Mewing might just be the secret to that chiseled look everyone’s after.”

Cultural Impact

Mewing has sparked both curiosity and controversy. While some claim it has noticeably improved their facial structure, others, including many in the professional orthodontic community, are skeptical about its effectiveness and warn against the pseudoscientific claims surrounding it. Despite this, the technique has become a popular topic in online beauty and fitness communities, with numerous videos and memes dedicated to the practice.

The rise of mewing as an internet phenomenon illustrates the broader cultural fascination with self-improvement and the lengths to which people will go to enhance their appearance, often embracing unverified or experimental methods in the process.