nostril flare

Nose hole widening

A nostril flare is the involuntary widening of the nostrils, typically signaling strong emotion—anger, arousal, or the effort to control one's feelings: She noticed the nostril flare and knew he was furious.

The gesture appears in body language analysis as a tell for suppressed intensity.

Animals flare their nostrils to take in more air or scent.

sniffBrief nasal inhalation
inhaleDraw air in
deep breathThorough filling of lungs
breathAir taken in
angerIntense hostile emotion

seeing red · disgust · scent · rage · exhale · wide · smell · breathing · heavy breathing · snort · fury · contempt · horse · bull · indignation · arousal · fight or flight · primal instinct

Categories

body languagegestures, facial expressions, hand gestures, posture, nodding
facial expressionssmiling, smile, grin, grinning, frown
nose gestures
facial animationlip sync, FACS, eyebrow raise, brow furrow, blinking
facial morphssmile, frown, blink, squint, sneer
smellsmell, scent, odor, reek, aroma

Opposites

facial expression type

nostril flareserene expression

Calm, undisturbed facial appearance

deadpan · poker face · blank stare · gentle smile · blank expression

emotional state signaled

nostril flarecalm

Free from agitation

serenity · contentment · submission · appeasement · relaxation

respiratory/nasal action

nostril flarenose scrunch

Wrinkling the nasal bridge

breath holding · shallow breathing

Family

nostril, flare, nostrils, flares, flared, flaring, nose, nares

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G