shaking one's head
Wordless negative gesture
Shaking one's head is a side-to-side movement expressing disagreement, disapproval, or disbelief: She asked if he wanted more, and he shook his head.
It can also signal resignation or bewilderment at something foolish or incomprehensible: He just shook his head at the mess they'd made.
The gesture typically means "no" in Western cultures, though meanings vary elsewhere.
- non-verbal communicationWordless exchange of meaning
- body languageUnspoken physical expression
- shruggingShoulder gesture of uncertainty
- facepalmingGesture showing exasperation
- refusalAct of declining
rolling eyes · disagreement · skepticism · tsk tsk · confusion · disbelief · oh brother · I can't even · annoyance · disappointment · what a shame · social cues · disapproval · gesturing · frustration · exasperation · symbolic gestures · signaling