Gurn
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224916778
2008-07-11T00:05:04Z
Bfigura's puppy
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linkspam (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]])
{{Cleanup|date=August 2006}}
A '''gurn''' is a distorted [[facial expression]], and a verb to describe the action. A typical gurn might involve projecting the [[mandible|lower jaw]] as far forward and up as possible, and covering the upper [[lip]] with the lower lip.
The [[English Dialect Dictionary]], compiled by [[Joseph Wright (linguist)|Joseph Wright]], defines the word gurn as 'to snarl as a dog; to look savage; to distort the countenance', while the [[Oxford English Dictionary]] suggests the derivation may originally be Scottish, related to 'grin'. In Northern Ireland the verb 'gurn' means, 'to cry', hence crying in Northern Ireland is often called gurnin.
The term is also used to describe the facial expressions of people under the influence of the drug [[MDMA|ecstasy]] and other stimulants. Sufferers often complain of 'hamster cheeks' and 'Forsyth chin'. The following day is especially uncomfortable - chewing becomes difficult and even speaking is a chore.
== Gurning contests ==
Gurning contests are a rural [[England|English]] tradition and were once common{{fact|date=September 2007}} at travelling [[sideshow]]s, [[fairs]] and [[freak show]]s. They are still held regularly in some villages[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/451253.stm], and the contestants traditionally frame their faces through a [[horse collar]] - known as 'gurnin' through a braffin'. The World Gurning Championship is held annually in [[Egremont, Cumbria|Egremont]], [[Cumbria]] as one part of the Egremont Crab Fair. <ref> Guide to Traditional Customs of Britain/Brian Shuel/National Trust/1985/ISBN 0-86350-051-X </ref> Those with the greatest gurn capabilities are often those with no teeth{{fact|date=September 2007}}, as this provides greater room to move the jaw further up. In some cases the elderly or otherwise toothless can be capable of spectacular gurns covering the entire nose.
In [[Australia]] the most common form{{fact|date=September 2007}} of gurning is the "duck face", with many areas holding local annual competitions for this form of facial expression. The "duck face" has been brought into mainstream culture by such people as TV's [[Kath and Kim]], and is characterised by pursed lips and raised eyebrows.
== Notes ==
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==External links==
*[http://www.thecumbriadirectory.com/Cumbria_Traditions/Gurning/Gurning.php Cumbria traditions]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/3670504.stm BBC: In Pictures - World Gurning Championship]
*[http://ansaman.site88.net/secondgurnrules.html ABSFG/Worldwide online gurning contests]
[[Category:Cumbria]]
[[Category:Facial expressions]]
[[de:Grimasse]]
[[it:Smorfia (espressione facciale)]]
[[sv:Grimas]]