mannerisms

Personal speech habits

Mannerisms are distinctive habits of speech, gesture, or behavior that characterize a particular person.

They are often unconscious quirks—a way of clearing the throat, a repeated phrase, a characteristic hand movement—that others notice and may find endearing, annoying, or useful for identification.

Actors study mannerisms to portray real people convincingly.

His mannerisms reminded me of my father.

The word sometimes carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting affectation or excessive peculiarity.

gestures

wave

Oscillating motion through medium

nodBrief head tilt
bowRespectful forward inclination
shrugShoulder gesture of uncertainty

point · beckon · flourish · curtsy · hand gesture · salute · thumbs-up · fist-bump · gesticulation · head tilt

expressions

smirk

Pleased, superior smile

grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
scowlAngry facial expression
winkBrief one-eyed closure

pout · sneer · grin · frown · eye roll · raised eyebrow · pursed lips · tight smile · nervous laugh · half-smile

speech

inflection

Word form alteration

cadenceRhythmic pulse or pattern
drawlUnhurried, elongated speech pattern
stammerSpeak with involuntary repetitions

lisp · accent · intonation · enunciation · verbal tic · catchphrase · filler words · uptalk · mumbling · trailing off

habits

idiosyncrasy

Distinctive personal peculiarity

peculiarityUnusual distinguishing characteristic
quirkPeculiar behavioral trait
eccentricityUnconventional behavior or nature

foible · trait · tendency · habit · tic · proclivity · propensity · penchant · oddity · singularity

etiquette

decorum

Fitting social conduct

proprietyCorrectness of conduct
courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
politenessCourteous, respectful conduct

civility · refinement · poise · elegance · sophistication · gentility · formality · graciousness · deportment · composure

mannerisms

wave

smirk

inflection

idiosyncrasy

decorum

mannerisms

Opposites

Categories

Family