headshakes
Wordless negative gestures
Headshakes is the plural of headshake—a side-to-side movement of the head expressing disagreement, disapproval, or disbelief.
Where a nod says yes, a headshake says no: The proposal was met with headshakes around the table.
Headshakes can also convey resignation or bewilderment: She walked away with a few sad headshakes.
Moving head affirmatively
- shruggingShoulder gesture of uncertainty
- body-languagePhysical signals conveying meaning
- nonverbalNot using speech
- signalMessage-conveying cue
motion · silent · emphatic · expressive · side-to-side · wag · wobble · rueful
State of being baffled
- bafflementMental state of confusion
- perplexityMental state of confusion
- puzzlementState of being baffled
- incomprehensionLack of understanding
disorientation · befuddlement · nonplussed · stumped · flummoxed · uncertainty · mystification
Sadness from unmet expectations
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- disdainScornful disregard
- contemptDisdainful disregard
censure · criticism · condemnation · rebuke · frown · tsk · tut-tut · sigh
Opposite of yes
- rejectionDenial of acceptance
- denialRefusal to accept reality
- declineDecrease or refuse
- vetoOfficial refusal to approve
nay · dissent · objection · rebuff · turndown · thumbs-down · nix · noncompliance
Inability to accept something
- doubtLack of firm belief
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- astonishmentIntense sudden wonder
shock · stunned · dumbfounded · flabbergasted · wonderment · surprise · stupefaction · aghast
nodding
Moving head affirmatively
- shruggingShoulder gesture of uncertainty
- body-languagePhysical signals conveying meaning
- nonverbalNot using speech
signal · motion · silent · emphatic · expressive · side-to-side · wag · wobble · rueful · vigorous
bewilderment
State of being baffled
- bafflementMental state of confusion
- perplexityMental state of confusion
- puzzlementState of being baffled
incomprehension · disorientation · befuddlement · nonplussed · stumped · flummoxed · uncertainty · mystification
disappointment
Sadness from unmet expectations
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- disdainScornful disregard
contempt · censure · criticism · condemnation · rebuke · frown · tsk · tut-tut · sigh · disgust
no
Opposite of yes
veto · nay · dissent · objection · rebuff · turndown · thumbs-down · nix · noncompliance · repudiation
incredulity
Inability to accept something
- doubtLack of firm belief
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
astonishment · shock · stunned · dumbfounded · flabbergasted · wonderment · surprise · stupefaction · aghast · eye-roll