Expressing Body Language and Gestures: English Vocabulary List

to momentarily raise one's shoulders to express indifference

"He shrugged his shoulders carelessly."

"When I asked him directly about the missing money he just shrugged his shoulders and said absolutely nothing."

to quickly open and close one eye as a sign of affection or to indicate something is a secret or a joke

"She winked at her friend secretly."

"My grandfather gave me a friendly warm smile and then a quick wink from across the dinner table."

to smile widely in a way that displays the teeth

"She did grin widely."

"The little boy could not hide his happiness and began to grin widely when he saw the gift."

to make a quick and involuntary movement in response to a surprise, pain, or fear

"He did not flinch at pain."

"She did not even flinch when the nurse gave her the injection because she was very brave."

to slightly hit someone's fist with one's own as an act of celebration, greeting, or agreement

"The teammates fist bumped after winning."

"Instead of shaking hands the two friends decided to fist-bump after finishing the difficult project together successfully."

to laugh quietly and with closed lips

"He chuckled at the funny joke."

"My grandfather started to chuckle softly when he remembered a funny story from his youth long ago."

to twist our face in an ugly way because of pain, strong dislike, etc., or when trying to be funny

"She grimaced at the bitter taste."

"The bitter medicine made the little girl grimace but she swallowed it without complaining at all finally."

to gesture with a motion of the hand or head to encourage someone to come nearer or follow

"He beckoned me to come closer."

"The mysterious woman stood at the end of the hall and began to beckon him to come closer quietly."

to walk or move in a proud and often showy manner

"The horse pranced around the field."

"The little pony started to prance around the field happily when it saw its owner approaching with food."

to lift a glass filled with a beverage, often as a gesture of celebration, honor, or well-wishing

"Let's raise a glass to him."

"Let us all raise a glass to celebrate the success of our wonderful team today."

to use body language in order to pretend one is confident, brave, etc.

"The model struck a pose."

"The model struck a pose and everyone started taking photographs of her immediately."

to make expressive gestures, especially while speaking, to emphasize or convey meaning

"He gesticulated wildly while speaking."

"The Italian man tended to gesticulate wildly with his hands while telling an exciting story to his friends."

to alter one's facial expression in response to someone or something, often to convey emotions such as dislike, disgust, or mockery

"The boy pulled a face at me."

"The little boy pulled a funny face at his sister to make her laugh loudly."

to gently push or prod someone or something, often to get attention or suggest a course of action

"She nudged him to wake up."

"She gently nudged her friend with her elbow to warn him that the teacher was walking toward them slowly."