Body Language and Emotional Actions: English Vocabulary List

to laugh loudly and heartily, especially when something is very funny

"He guffawed loudly at the silly joke."

"The entire audience began to guffaw loudly when the comedian told a very funny joke about his embarrassing experience at the grocery store."

to push out one's lips as an expression of displeasure, anger, or sadness

"The child pouted when he lost the game."

"The little girl began to pout when her older brother refused to share his toys with her even though she had shared her candy with him earlier."

to cover one's face with one's hand, particularly the palm, often as an expression of frustration, embarrassment, or disbelief

"She facepalmed at his stupid comment."

"When his friend suggested that the earth was flat he could not help but facepalm at the sheer ignorance of such a ridiculous and false statement."

to make small, restless movements or gestures due to nervousness or impatience

"The nervous child fidgeted in his seat."

"The young boy could not stop fidgeting in his seat during the long church service because he was incredibly bored and wanted to go outside to play."

to twist or squirm violently, from struggle, physical pain, or emotional distress

"The injured man writhed in pain."

"The injured soldier lay on the ground and writhed in pain until the medics arrived to give him morphine and transport him to the field hospital."

to show a facial expression that signifies shame or pain

"He winced as the needle pricked his arm."

"She could not help but wince when the dentist began to drill into her sensitive tooth even though she had received a local anesthetic injection."

to engage in affectionate and intimate behavior, such as hugging, kissing, or cuddling

"The young couple canoodles on the park bench."

"The young couple was caught canoodling in the park by their disapproving parents who were not pleased."

to kiss lovingly or passionately

"They smooch under the bright moonlight tonight."

"The newlyweds smooched at the altar after the priest pronounced them husband and wife for the first time."

to kiss briefly and affectionately

"He busses her cheek before leaving home."

"The grandmother bussed her grandson on the cheek before he left for his first day of school."

to kiss passionately and intimately

"British teenagers snog at parties often."

"The teenagers were caught snogging behind the school gymnasium by a teacher who was walking past."

to move in an uncomfortable or restless manner with twisting or contorted motions

"The boy squirmed during the long lecture."

"The little boy began to squirm uncomfortably in his chair when his mother tried to cut his hair with a pair of dull scissors."

to sing or play music to someone, typically as a gesture of affection

"He serenades his lover under her balcony."

"The young man stood beneath his girlfriend's window to serenade her with a romantic love song."

to treat someone with extra care, attention, and comfort, often with the intention of making them feel good or relaxed

"She likes to pamper herself."

"She decided to pamper herself with a long hot bath and a relaxing facial mask."

to show excessive love or fondness toward someone or something

"Grandparents dote on their grandchildren."

"The grandparents tend to dote on their only grandson and spoil him with expensive gifts."

to twist and rub one's hands together out of distress or worry

"Stop wringing your hands now."

"The parents were wringing their hands with worry as they waited for the doctor's diagnosis."

to blink quickly in a way that gets someone's attention, often done to show interest or flirt

"She fluttered her eyelashes at him."

"She fluttered her eyelashes at him hoping he would agree to buy her some flowers."

to place one leg over the other, either while sitting or standing

"Please cross your legs politely."

"It is considered polite for ladies to cross their legs when sitting in formal meetings."

to leave or end a romantic relationship with someone

"She will chuck him."

"After much deliberation, she decided to chuck her boyfriend due to his constant unreliability."